tag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:/blogs/newest-additions-on-ipmnation?p=15newest additions on ipmNation2024-03-26T01:51:06-04:00ipmNation.comfalsetag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73724742024-03-26T01:51:06-04:002024-03-26T01:52:28-04:00Out of Andrew North and the Rangers comes Jade Trio.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Matt Connarton</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/dj-reklss" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="DJ Reklss"><span style="color:#000000;">DJ Reklss</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> talk with three members of </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.andrewnorthandtherangers.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Andrew North and the Rangers</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> about their new side project, Jade Trio. Several of the band's studio tracks are featured.</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nZaXjUmjWTg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nZaXjUmjWTg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-small">#JadeTrio #AndrewNorthAndTheRangers</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73712282024-03-22T22:52:15-04:002024-03-25T14:46:04-04:00The Power of College Radio: Boosting Music Promotion for Any Genre<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/54912/98ea399133ca0674952f2dea8cda321921ed50c5/original/fringer-cat-hddmxlpafgo-unsplash-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" height="3000" /><div class="timestamp" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(114, 118, 127);font-family:"Open Sans", sans-serif;font-size:13.6px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Posted by <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a></p></div><p>In the fast-paced world of music promotion, the significance of college radio cannot be overstated. While mainstream platforms dominate the airwaves, college radio offers a unique and valuable opportunity for artists across all genres, no matter how unconventional, to reach a dedicated and engaged audience. In this blog post, we'll delve into why college radio remains a potent force in music promotion and why artists should leverage it to amplify their presence and connect with their fans.</p><p><strong>1. Diverse Audiences, Diverse Genres</strong></p><p>One of the most compelling aspects of college radio is its diverse audience. Unlike commercial stations that often cater to mainstream tastes, college radio stations have the freedom to explore a wide range of genres, from indie rock and electronic music to jazz, folk, experimental, and beyond. This diversity creates a fertile ground for artists in niche or unconventional genres to find their audience and build a dedicated fanbase.</p><p><strong>2. Cultivating Discoverability</strong></p><p>College radio's emphasis on discovery and exploration makes it an ideal platform for emerging artists looking to break into the music scene. Many college radio DJs are passionate about unearthing hidden gems and introducing their listeners to new and exciting music. By getting airplay on college radio stations, artists can significantly increase their discoverability and expand their reach beyond traditional channels.</p><p><strong>3. Building Authentic Connections</strong></p><p>Unlike larger commercial stations where playlists are often dictated by corporate interests, college radio thrives on authenticity and community connection. DJs at college stations are often students or volunteers who are deeply passionate about music. This passion translates into genuine support for artists they believe in, leading to authentic connections between artists and their listeners. These connections can be invaluable in fostering long-term fan loyalty and support.</p><p><strong>4. Nurturing Emerging Trends</strong></p><p>College radio has a history of championing emerging trends and pushing boundaries. Many artists who later achieved mainstream success initially gained traction through college radio airplay. This trendsetting role makes college radio an attractive platform for artists exploring innovative or unconventional sounds. By aligning with college radio, artists can position themselves at the forefront of emerging trends and capture the attention of tastemakers and influencers.</p><p><strong>5. Leveraging Digital Platforms</strong></p><p>In today's digital age, college radio extends far beyond traditional FM broadcasts. Many college stations have embraced online streaming and digital platforms, expanding their reach globally. This digital presence allows artists to reach audiences beyond their local or regional boundaries, opening up new avenues for exposure and fan engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>College radio remains a vital and influential player in the music promotion landscape. Its commitment to diversity, discovery, authenticity, trendsetting, and digital innovation makes it a powerhouse for artists across all genres, including those with unique and unconventional sounds. By tapping into the potential of college radio, artists can amplify their music, connect with passionate listeners, and pave the way for long-term success in the music industry.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/radio-promotion" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Radio Promotion"><strong>Learn more about our college radio service at ipmNation.com!</strong></a></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73690662024-03-18T22:39:27-04:002024-03-18T22:39:28-04:00Temple Mountain interview and live performance.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="/jenn-coffey" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Jenn Coffey">Jenn Coffey</a> talk with Eric Impallomeni, known professionally as <a class="no-pjax" href="https://templemountainmusic.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Temple Mountain</a>. Several songs are performed live in studio, and some studio tracks are shared as well from his album <i>Schema</i>.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xfd2PeH2Vyw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xfd2PeH2Vyw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-small">#MattConnarton #JennCoffey #TempleMountainMusic #SchemaAlbumSongs</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73673212024-03-15T00:22:12-04:002024-03-15T00:23:22-04:00Don Henley loses major court battle in latest Eagles legal drama debacle<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> and Jenn Coffey explore the latest Don Henley legal drama, and why prosecutors have accused him of trying to blatantly manipulate them.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="PUJgBP8pzPQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUJgBP8pzPQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-small">#DonHenley #EaglesLegalDrama #MattConnartonUnleashed #CourtBattle #LegalDebacle</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73591672024-02-29T00:39:47-05:002024-02-29T00:51:34-05:00Bruce from Legion of Solace joins us on Matt Connarton Unleashed.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/bheaberlinjr" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);"><strong>Bruce Heaberlin Jr.</strong></span></a><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);"> joins us to talk about </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.legionofsolace.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);"><strong>Legion of Solace</strong></span></a><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">, the music promotion company that works with several New England rock bands. Music from those bands is also featured.</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="9hRPg1YnXoI" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9hRPg1YnXoI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/hypnosis" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/54912/160a6096bc8a0f4bb2c8db35aea10a41abfb2edc/original/matt-connarton-hypnosis-facebook-ad.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="788" width="940" /></a><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#LegionOfSolace #NewEnglandRock #MusicPromotion #LocalMusicScene</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73552542024-02-22T02:48:59-05:002024-02-22T02:51:31-05:00Classic Film Review: Boyz n the Hood (1991)<p>In celebration of Black History Month, Erich Pilcher reviews the 1991 classic <i>Boyz n the Hood</i>.<br><br><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#BoyzNTheHoodReview #BlackHistoryMonth #ClassicFilmReview #1991MovieReview #ErichPilchersFilmAnalysis</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4OZb8nbCYE8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4OZb8nbCYE8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73499032024-02-12T00:24:48-05:002024-02-22T02:41:12-05:00Tyler Allgood interview and in studio performance.<p>Tyler Allgood appears on Matt Connarton Unleashed for an interview and live performance. This segment also includes the World Premiere of Tyler's new single, “Nothin' But Cry.”</p><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#TylerAllgoodInterview #NothinButCryPremiere #MattConnarton #MattConnartonUnleashed</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2lk7j8VdIS0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2lk7j8VdIS0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73499022024-02-12T00:04:49-05:002024-02-22T02:37:45-05:00Vices Inc on Matt Connarton Unleashed.<p><span style="color:#000000;">The entire band, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.vicesinc.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Vices Inc</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">, joined us live in studio for a one hour interview. We also featured several tracks, including the World Radio Premiere of the new single “Regret Me.”</span></p><p><span class="text-small">#VicesIncInterview #RegretMePremiere #NewMusicAlert #BandInterview #MattConnarton</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="F5TTwmKAQUo" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F5TTwmKAQUo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73498992024-02-11T23:49:14-05:002024-02-22T02:39:12-05:00Jenn Coffey testifies on Universal Health Care.<p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">Hon. </span><a class="no-pjax" href="jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">Jenn Coffey</span></a><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);"> testifies at NH House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Hearing on HR23.</span><br><br><span class="text-small">#JennCoffey #HealthcareAdvocacy #UniversalHealthcare #HealthcareRights #BeAHero</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Q9E7ceNPO7U" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q9E7ceNPO7U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73489582024-02-09T22:50:57-05:002024-02-22T02:39:52-05:00Madonna sued by her own fans.<p>Madonna is sued by her own fans for being late. <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Jenn Coffey</a> discuss the situation on <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GMZ5GWNO6AY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMZ5GWNO6AY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#Madonna #FanLawsuit #LateArrival #MattConnartonUnleashed #CelebrityLitigation</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73489562024-02-09T22:31:04-05:002024-02-22T02:40:15-05:00Vince McMahon scandal and heinous accusations.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="./mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Jenn Coffey</a> discuss Vince McMahon scandal and heinous accusations on <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="agRaha9suC8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/agRaha9suC8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#VinceMcMahon #ScandalTalk #HeinousAccusations #MattConnartonUnleashed #WrestlingDrama</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73489152024-02-09T21:56:04-05:002024-02-22T02:40:40-05:00After The Winter returns.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.afterthewinter.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">After The Winter</a> is back for the World Premiere of their intense new single. “Adelphos.” This segment is from <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UzdPURiXoyQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UzdPURiXoyQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#AfterTheWinter #Adelphos #WorldPremiere #MattConnartonUnleashed #NewMusicAlert</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73488982024-02-09T21:38:39-05:002024-02-22T02:41:12-05:00Taylor Swift and George Carlin DEEPFAKES.<div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ovwdf_S2e7Y" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ovwdf_S2e7Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a>, <a class="no-pjax" href="jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Jenn Coffey</a>, and Jesse Coffey discuss recent controversies regarding celebrities caused by the misuse of A.I. technology. This segment is taken from <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>.</p><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">#MattConnartonUnleashed #CelebControversies #AIFlaws #CelebrityScandals #MisuseOfAI</span></p><p><br><br><br> </p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73478062024-02-08T00:45:02-05:002024-02-08T00:45:04-05:00Ricky Mapleton unveils his Screamo Sports Songs.<p><span style="color:#000000;">The highly entertaining </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/@sillyroadproductions3900" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Ricky Mapleton</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> returns to talk with </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Matt Connarton</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://jenncoffey.com/jc/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Jenn Coffey</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">, and Jesse Coffey about his new collection of Screamo Sports Songs. Also, the debut of Ricky's new single "Pickleball" is featured.</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Az_9zmUl-Mk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Az_9zmUl-Mk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73265482023-12-31T18:03:34-05:002023-12-31T18:17:40-05:00Pretty Late sits down for a timely conversation with Matt Connarton.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/PrettyLateMa" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Pretty Late</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> returns for a second conversation with </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Matt Connarton</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. The band also performs several songs live, and some studio tracks are featured.</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZfbNJAy8aKo" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZfbNJAy8aKo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/hypnosis" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/54912/160a6096bc8a0f4bb2c8db35aea10a41abfb2edc/original/matt-connarton-hypnosis-facebook-ad.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></span></a></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73247872023-12-27T02:00:55-05:002023-12-27T02:00:55-05:00Dark Rain on Matt Connarton Unleashed<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_iQZimKP4cE?si=CuZgZCOP2co7vmlC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Dark Rain traveled quite far just to sit down with </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Matt Connarton</strong></span></a><a data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></a><span style="color:#000000;">and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Jenn Coffey</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. The band discusses its long history, plays several acoustic songs on the show, and some studio tracks are featured.</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73232272023-12-23T00:57:05-05:002023-12-27T01:57:29-05:00Classic Film Review: A Bronx Tale (1993)<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KKtOAmD_vGs?si=jcPxeQbZgvchW-G4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> reviews the 1993 directorial debut of Robert Deniro in <i>A Bronx Tale</i>.</p><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(55,65,81);">#ABronxTaleMovieReview #ErichPilcherFilmAnalysis #ClassicFilmCritique #ChazzPalminteriPerformance #ComingOfAgeStoryAnalysis #RobertDeNiroDirectionReview</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73232262023-12-23T00:47:40-05:002023-12-23T00:49:26-05:00Classic Film Review: Gladiator (2000)<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gu5IkeudYmY?si=nYysSHDG55f9C6kx" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> reviews the 2000 film <i>Gladiator</i>.</p><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(55,65,81);">#GladiatorMovieReview #ErichPilcherFilmAnalysis #ClassicFilmCritique #RussellCrowePerformance #MaximusCharacterStudy #RidleyScottDirectionReview</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73231872023-12-23T00:26:47-05:002023-12-27T01:57:29-05:00Tom Rousseau live in studio<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGRsItH6Erg?si=s72ECBdVCL-TI-js" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Tom Rousseau performs live in studio. </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Matt Connarton</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> interviews Tom on the many facets of his music career, and several of his recent studio tracks are featured.</span></p><p><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">#</span><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(55,65,81);">Matt Connarton Unleashed #Tom Rousseau Interview #Radio Podcast #Music Talk #Artist Discussion #Unleashed Show</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73184722023-12-13T00:16:43-05:002023-12-13T01:03:54-05:00Kenny Truhn on Matt Connarton Unleashed<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a-EzUr68nFg?si=7pX46Pj6nABunPpE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://linktr.ee/Kennytruhnmusic" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Kenny Truhn</a> performs live in studio. <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> interviews Kenny on the many facets of his music career, including his early experience being signed to a major label.</p><p><br><span class="text-small">#</span><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(55,65,81);">Matt Connarton Unleashed #Kenny Truhn Interview #Radio Podcast #Music Talk #Artist Discussion #Unleashed Show</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73146162023-12-05T00:29:30-05:002023-12-05T00:57:20-05:00Classic Film Review: Enter the Dragon (1973)<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GgQEAWf2fVc?si=GF25jKJW7h_ueEb7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher"><strong>Erich Pilcher</strong></a> reviews the 1973 Bruce Lee classic, <i>Enter the Dragon</i>.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73146152023-12-05T00:25:29-05:002023-12-05T00:57:20-05:00Glitter Tooth on Matt Connarton Unleashed<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gH8bL0FZccU?si=gIOX6b3tKOQjMmUR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Matt Connarton</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> talks with the band </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/GlitterTooth" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Glitter Tooth</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. The guys perform several live songs during their appearance, and a few studio tracks are played as well.</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73146132023-12-04T23:33:39-05:002023-12-04T23:39:12-05:00Daryl Hall vs. John Oates<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SuhyStJluk4?si=f2QbRPmijyohJ-M6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Matt Connarton</strong></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Jenn Coffey</strong></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> do a deep dive on the latest drama and legal fight amongst the most successful pop duo of all time, Daryl Hall and John Oates.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>Matt Connarton Unleashed</strong></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> is LIVE every Saturday at 9AM est.</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73117972023-11-30T23:05:00-05:002023-12-05T00:54:55-05:00Matt Connarton talks with Run Like Thieves.<p>Dan Fallon, Abe Hughes, and Greg Santini of <a class="no-pjax" href="rumlikethieves.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Run Like Thieves</strong></a> join <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Matt Connarton</strong></a> for an interview and live performance in studio. Several studio tracks are also premiered.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZgVDH63fAHk?si=UFoZMMSpGk3aQUea" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73086242023-11-23T22:12:26-05:002023-11-30T22:53:44-05:00Heavy AmericA on Matt Connarton Unleashed<p><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> interviews Heavy AmericA about their newest release and upcoming tour dates.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJmNL9IwYpY?si=GXxCu0_1WlWsJ2fh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73074732023-11-21T23:21:42-05:002023-11-21T23:21:42-05:00Matt Connarton Unleashed: Aaron Bilodeau with Huey The Gecko<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Matt Connarton</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> talks with Aaron Bilodeau about his new album <i>Drone at Home</i>. Aaron also performs live and is accompanied by Huey The Gecko.</span></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/geqT7sk97L0?si=DY3gvGocm8mApIg5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73004142023-11-08T01:31:53-05:002023-11-08T01:31:54-05:00Classic Film Review: Halloween<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> reviews John Carpenter's Halloween (1978).</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B9o_deQnHqE?si=_eK3b_wTvtV5KhJK" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73000002023-11-07T12:00:19-05:002023-11-08T00:41:29-05:00FREE Stress Reduction Hypnosis Seesion.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/hypnosis" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton, Certified Hypnotherapist</a>, has created a FREE hypnotherapy session and added it to youtube. This session is design to helped you to relieve and manage stress, but also offers an example of how Matt works.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72999942023-11-07T11:51:56-05:002023-11-07T12:07:46-05:00Classic Film Review: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986).<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> reviews a true eighties classic and cultural phenomenon, <strong><yt-formatted-string force-default-style="">Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986).</yt-formatted-string></strong></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PitpuLc84FQ?si=OEu78yAF6yRGWPid" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72999922023-11-07T11:45:37-05:002023-11-07T11:45:38-05:00Derek "Deek" Diedricksen from Inverter calls Matt Connarton.<p>Boston band <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.inverterband.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Inverter</a> is featured on <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>. Derek "Deek" Diedricksen calls into the show to talk about the band, as well as his experience working at the legendary radio station WBCN.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OnWsYofEdNk?si=sPHg8lkuhI7qlEY6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72999882023-11-07T11:30:51-05:002023-11-07T11:30:52-05:00Matt Connarton talks with The Mighty Suicide Squirrels.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> talks with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themightysuicidesquirrels.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">The Mighty Suicide Squirrels</a> live in studio. Several of the band's tracks are featured.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72859852023-10-11T00:05:55-04:002023-11-07T11:17:40-05:00Unlocking Your Potential: Hypnosis for Weight Loss<p><span class="text-big"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/54912/8bcc231231ab357da9f62e3c55eae5587170ed0e/original/matt-connarton-with-jacket-square.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Introduction</strong></span></p><p>Are you tired of fad diets, endless exercise routines, and the constant struggle to shed those extra pounds? Weight loss can be a challenging journey, and for some, traditional methods may not yield results. That's where hypnosis comes in, offering a unique and effective approach to achieving your weight loss goals. In this blog post, we will explore the incredible potential of hypnosis as a tool for achieving sustainable weight loss.</p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>The Power of the Mind-Body Connection</strong></span></p><p>Weight loss isn't just about physical changes; it's also about rewiring your relationship with food, stress, and self-image. Hypnosis harnesses the power of the mind-body connection to address these issues at their core. By guiding your subconscious mind, a certified hypnotist can help you reprogram negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food and eating.</p><p><br><span class="text-big"><strong>Addressing Emotional Eating</strong></span></p><p>Many people struggle with emotional eating, using food as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and other emotions. Hypnosis can help you identify the underlying triggers for emotional eating and provide you with healthier coping strategies. This leads to a healthier relationship with food and a reduction in the urge to overeat when emotions run high.</p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Breaking Bad Habits</strong></span></p><p>Unwanted habits can be a significant barrier to weight loss success. Hypnosis is a powerful tool for breaking free from habits like mindless snacking, late-night eating, and excessive sugar consumption. By addressing these habits on a subconscious level, you'll find it easier to make healthier choices and stick to your weight loss plan.</p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Boosting Motivation and Willpower</strong></span></p><p>Maintaining motivation and willpower throughout your weight loss journey can be challenging. Hypnosis can rekindle your motivation by helping you visualize your goals, reinforcing your commitment to change, and bolstering your self-confidence. This renewed sense of purpose can be a game-changer on your path to a healthier lifestyle.</p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Enhancing Mindful Eating</strong></span></p><p>Hypnosis can heighten your awareness of hunger and fullness cues, promoting mindful eating. By reconnecting with your body's natural signals, you'll learn to eat in response to genuine hunger rather than external triggers like stress or boredom. This shift towards mindful eating can lead to reduced calorie consumption and greater satisfaction with your meals.</p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Stress Reduction</strong></span></p><p>Stress is a common contributor to weight gain and can sabotage your weight loss efforts. Hypnosis techniques can help you manage stress more effectively, preventing it from becoming a roadblock on your path to a healthier you. By reducing stress, you'll be better equipped to make mindful choices and maintain your weight loss progress.</p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p><p>Hypnosis for weight loss is a holistic and effective approach that goes beyond traditional diet and exercise. By addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to weight gain, hypnosis empowers you to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Remember, success with hypnosis may vary from person to person, and it's essential to consult a qualified and certified hypnotist to embark on this transformative journey.</p><p>If you're ready to unlock your potential and achieve your weight loss goals, consider giving hypnosis a try. It's a safe and non-invasive method that can bring about lasting change, helping you create a healthier and happier future for yourself. Start your journey and embrace the power of your mind in achieving the weight loss success you deserve. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattconnarton.com/hypnosis" data-link-type="url"><strong>Book your session</strong></a> with Matt Connarton today!</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72636652023-08-25T22:29:17-04:002023-11-06T22:30:35-05:00Classic Film Review: The Longest Yard<p>On this week's <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>, <a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> reviews the original 1974 release of The Longest Tard, starring Burt Reynolds.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72619052023-08-23T23:34:36-04:002023-10-13T14:34:12-04:00Marianne Williamson interview.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Matt Connarton</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ipmnation.com/jenncoffey.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Jenn Coffey</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> talk with 2024 Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson about her challenge for the Democratic nomination.</span></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5xFzOE_lfqg?si=mxQp2YW9g7vze8qz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72609202023-08-22T11:32:31-04:002023-11-06T22:22:56-05:00Crazy Lou needs technical help ASAP.<p>Crazy Lou from Schenectady calls <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> in deep distress, as he needs technical assistance performing some basic functions.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rYYUiLllXTE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72609132023-08-22T11:20:17-04:002023-11-07T11:05:00-05:00Jam Tomorrow performs live in studio.<p><a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> talks with all three members of Jam Tomorrow. The release of the first single, “Killin Time” is discussed, as well as the origins of the band. Several songs are performed live by the trio.<br> </p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72593582023-08-18T22:29:09-04:002023-11-06T22:26:20-05:00Wired For Sound interview.<p>The three members of Wired For Sound sit down on <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a> for an extensive interview about the band's musical style, recording technique, and history.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72593552023-08-18T22:01:09-04:002023-11-06T22:24:13-05:00Andy Klosenski interview and performance.<p>Andy Klosenski joins <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton</a> in studio for an interview, and performs several songs live.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ex4J0cFiGsA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72593532023-08-18T21:52:02-04:002023-11-06T22:30:53-05:00Classic Film Review: Donnie Brasco<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> reviews the 1997 true life mob classic starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp, <i>Donnie Brasco</i>.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72593502023-08-18T21:46:04-04:002023-11-06T22:27:18-05:00Best Not Broken interview.<p>Matt Connarton talks with Eric and Carlo from the band Best Not Broken, on <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mdsl7E-VlXY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/72593382023-08-18T21:05:04-04:002023-11-06T22:31:38-05:00Classic Film Review: The French Connection<p>In light of the recent passing of director William Friedkin, <a class="no-pjax" href="/erich-pilcher" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Erich Pilcher">Erich Pilcher</a> takes a look at the classic film <i>The French Connection, </i>courtesy of the 8/18/23 edition of <a class="no-pjax" href="mattconnarton.com/unleashed" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Matt Connarton Unleashed</a>. </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R47QQjjpiIw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71914912023-04-16T22:39:59-04:002023-11-06T22:27:57-05:00Sauce On The Side interview.<p>Matt Connarton talks with the band Sauce On The Side on Matt Connarton Unleashed.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/53475242" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>STREAM OR DOWNLOAD AUDIO</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/54912/cb4f9540443717e6ed70624eb2e70a61e8be5681/original/sauce-on-the-side.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></p><p><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=53475242&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=left&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%" height="125px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>“<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">We are Sauce On The Side, a punk rock band from Manchester, NH. We do not understand volume.”</span></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71914902023-04-16T22:33:26-04:002023-11-06T22:37:31-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Field of Dreams.<p><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=53541366&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=left&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%" height="125px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71914892023-04-16T22:30:39-04:002023-11-06T22:37:14-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Unforgiven.<p><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=53541366&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=left&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%" height="125px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71907442023-04-14T22:54:37-04:002023-11-06T22:28:56-05:00Tell United Healthcare to cover Jenn's care and put #careovercost<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;animation-name:none !important;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;transition-property:none !important;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="animation-name:none !important;font-family:inherit;text-align:start;transition-property:none !important;" dir="auto">
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://ppls.ac/jenncare" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">SIGN THE PETITION!</a> PLEASE SHARE!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;animation-name:none !important;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;transition-property:none !important;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="animation-name:none !important;font-family:inherit;text-align:start;transition-property:none !important;" dir="auto">
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedHealthcare/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=kK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>UnitedHealthcare</span></a> Bragged about $8.1 B in profit in 3 mos. made from people who pay them for health coverage. Their money model relies on denying people care–like <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/RightsNH?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=-%5DK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>Rights & Democracy NH</span></a> member Jenn, who needs the care to manage serious illness.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;animation-name:none !important;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;transition-property:none !important;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="animation-name:none !important;font-family:inherit;text-align:start;transition-property:none !important;" dir="auto">SIGN THE PETITION <a class="no-pjax" href="https://ppls.ac/jenncare?fbclid=IwAR2HlQzteBuiuCCvxPoHrTKR_hZtVY6QY_lpGwCCOuJ1A6pDzRiZt54Lxbo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>https://ppls.ac/jenncare</span></a> ! PLEASE SHARE!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;animation-name:none !important;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;transition-property:none !important;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
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<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/careovercost?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#CAREOVERCOST</span></a> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/crps?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#crps</span></a> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/crpsawareness?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#crpsawareness</span></a> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/crpswarrior?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#crpswarrior</span></a> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sfn?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#SFN</span></a> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/smallfiberneuropathy?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#smallfiberneuropathy</span></a> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/peopleoverprofit?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWFWt2aGtjqZv5G1TlIDSJ_AY6JvQbQ9VCxiaCNGprinrTDNgwmNDwdRVKGsSpDP3cLiW256EaQdpxMBrp5WVrYBzoltDCEHXd-Pg6KaK_D17B-nN3I8EtUzEDzkc6-wk-Te_VilhIxypRclBR-MVTlPRp-fbBfDQtXpFIjeVUapQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>#peopleoverprofit</span></a>
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<div style="animation-name:none !important;font-family:inherit;text-align:start;transition-property:none !important;" dir="auto"> </div><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GfY4334R1kA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GfY4334R1kA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71809582023-03-30T01:29:34-04:002023-11-07T11:17:40-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Pretty Late.<p><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=53329874&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%" height="350px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71809572023-03-30T01:24:42-04:002023-11-06T22:30:19-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Good Will Hunting.<p><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=53347431&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%" height="350px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71782372023-03-25T01:00:15-04:002023-11-06T22:35:37-05:00What Helped in My Struggle With Gender Identity by Jenn Coffey<div class="entry-content e-content hyphenate entry-content--desktop" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(68, 68, 68);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" itemprop="articleBody">
<p>“Thank you, young man.” I can still hear the sound of the elderly lady’s voice as I held the door open for her at my auntie’s apartment building. I spent countless weekends with my great aunties. I was raised to be seen and not heard, to hold open doors for my elders, and answer with “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am.”</p>
<p>I believe that I was around 9 years old at the moment that I heard “Thank you, young man.” It was a sunny day. The double-door entryway gave way to a hall with metal mailboxes lining the wall and the dreaded “alligator.” (That’s what I called the elevator.) I was genuinely terrified of it and would cry at times when having to use it.</p>
<p>I was dressed in corduroy pants and a basic nondescript short-sleeve shirt. My naturally curly hair was cut short up to my ears, adding to the appearance of what that sweet lady thought was a little boy. If she only knew that I thought that too. I was obviously born wrong. A half-girl, half-boy “freak of nature”. I felt shame at all times and struggled to hide my clunky self that had no grace, no real girly features.</p>
<p>My belief was backed up by what I believed was evidence. I had toys at each relative’s house to go with whatever couch I was sleeping on that weekend. One great auntie’s house had toy cars. I can remember the Hot Wheels, and blue containers with plastic slots for each car to fit into. I had a cousin at that house who rarely came out of the basement. I dared go down the stairs just once. The smoke-filled room seemed outer worldly. He had tattoos and seemed to enjoy terrorizing me when he could. His pet tarantula horrified me. I thought it could jump to my face and just bite me. He would yell at me to get out and threaten to put the spider on me. I ran up the stairs as fast as my short bowlegged legs could carry me. I wasn’t like him. Was he what boys should be like?</p>
<p>I was rejected by the neighborhood kids as a freak, and those friends of my uncles wanted nothing to do with me. I was odd, out of place, and didn’t seem to fit in with any group. They would chant and call me “lesi-gore.” I never understood it at the time. I didn’t know that they were trying to call me a lesbian. I didn’t know what a lesbian was.</p>
<p>There was a day when I saw a men’s magazine. Looking at the beautiful women who seemed to be so smooth-skinned and delicate. Finding what I believed to be definitive proof of my half boy, half girl, born wrong, mistake of nature body. All the ladies didn’t have hairy arms. They looked like they didn’t have <i>any</i> body hair. Realizing that was terrifying. Full of anxiety and fear that the next gym class would put me out in the open, I did the only thing that seemed to make sense, the only way to hide my deformity. I found a razor and shaved all the hair off my arms. Crying as I scraped the black hairs from my body, I wondered if I was turning more into a boy.</p>
<p>There was a place in the city called the Combat Zone. When I first met my birth mother, I was about 9 years old. She worked in the zone, which was an area full of striptease bars, adult shops, and creepy streets. She never took me there at night, but during the day so that she could get her check. She wore heavy makeup, and grandma said that was for “floozies.” Grandma never talked about girly things with me or did my hair in girly ways. She treated and raised me no differently than her boys. I understand that she didn’t spare the rod on them either.</p>
<p>The extremes of my reality created splits in the world. I couch surfed through childhood. In one place I was seen and not heard and was often called “young man” by strangers. Another place was full of whispered conversations, heavy perfumes, and loud drunk men. Sometimes it was better than beatings, other times not so much. I didn’t fit in anywhere, with anyone, and felt like an orphan by the time I was 10.</p>
<p>Gym classes in elementary schools were torture. I was terrified of that stupid plastic shower curtain coming apart and exposing my half-girl, half-boy body. I didn’t believe that any part of me was how a girl was supposed to be. I seemed to grow hair all over. I felt worse than a freak, like a mistake. A baby that shouldn’t have made it out of the womb.</p>
<p>It was so dark in my world, that I thought it best to not be in it. The first instance of this was at age 7, walking down the middle of the street and hoping that a car would hit me. Hoping to end the world’s pain caused by my existence, believing that I wasn’t worthy of love and belonging, driven largely by the things that my relatives would say about me, right in front of me.</p>
<p>My examples of femininity consisted of my great aunties with hair kerchiefs, Oil of Olay, and shuffleboard, as opposed to strippers, red lipstick, and parties with my new mother. Yet, I still couldn’t find anything about me that connected me to either life. There was nothing providing familiar attachment. It further implanted the belief that I was, in fact, born a mix of genders and failing at both.</p>
<p>“<a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/gender-dysphoria/"><strong>Gender dysphoria</strong></a>” is a term that was never a part of my lexicon. Today, these two words provide validation that I’m not a ‘freak’ after all. And the revelation that feeling born wrong isn’t unique to me. I have finally come to the realization that there are thousands of people who have struggled to understand who they are. It never seemed possible that anyone could be like me, not only as a child but in adulthood.</p>
<p>It has taken years of therapy and self-examination to find that there are so many struggling to understand their gender identity. There is comfort in knowing that I am not now, nor have I ever been, truly alone. If this resonates with you, may you find peace in knowing that you are not alone. You are normal, beautiful, and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/mental-health/accepting-my-inner-demon-and-loving-myself/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>worthy of love</strong></a> and belonging.</p>
</div><div class="image_credits_container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(87, 87, 87);font-family:Lato;font-size:10px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0.8px;line-height:20px;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:uppercase;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><div style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/u/jenncoffey/"><strong>JENN COFFEY</strong></a></div></div>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721572023-03-25T00:54:28-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00What Helped in My Struggle With Gender Identity
<div class="entry-content e-content hyphenate entry-content--desktop" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(68, 68, 68);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" itemprop="articleBody">
<p>“Thank you, young man.” I can still hear the sound of the elderly lady’s voice as I held the door open for her at my auntie’s apartment building. I spent countless weekends with my great aunties. I was raised to be seen and not heard, to hold open doors for my elders, and answer with “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am.”</p>
<p>I believe that I was around 9 years old at the moment that I heard “Thank you, young man.” It was a sunny day. The double-door entryway gave way to a hall with metal mailboxes lining the wall and the dreaded “alligator.” (That’s what I called the elevator.) I was genuinely terrified of it and would cry at times when having to use it.</p>
<p>I was dressed in corduroy pants and a basic nondescript short-sleeve shirt. My naturally curly hair was cut short up to my ears, adding to the appearance of what that sweet lady thought was a little boy. If she only knew that I thought that too. I was obviously born wrong. A half-girl, half-boy “freak of nature”. I felt shame at all times and struggled to hide my clunky self that had no grace, no real girly features.</p>
<p>My belief was backed up by what I believed was evidence. I had toys at each relative’s house to go with whatever couch I was sleeping on that weekend. One great auntie’s house had toy cars. I can remember the Hot Wheels, and blue containers with plastic slots for each car to fit into. I had a cousin at that house who rarely came out of the basement. I dared go down the stairs just once. The smoke-filled room seemed outer worldly. He had tattoos and seemed to enjoy terrorizing me when he could. His pet tarantula horrified me. I thought it could jump to my face and just bite me. He would yell at me to get out and threaten to put the spider on me. I ran up the stairs as fast as my short bowlegged legs could carry me. I wasn’t like him. Was he what boys should be like?</p>
<p>I was rejected by the neighborhood kids as a freak, and those friends of my uncles wanted nothing to do with me. I was odd, out of place, and didn’t seem to fit in with any group. They would chant and call me “lesi-gore.” I never understood it at the time. I didn’t know that they were trying to call me a lesbian. I didn’t know what a lesbian was.</p>
<p>There was a day when I saw a men’s magazine. Looking at the beautiful women who seemed to be so smooth-skinned and delicate. Finding what I believed to be definitive proof of my half boy, half girl, born wrong, mistake of nature body. All the ladies didn’t have hairy arms. They looked like they didn’t have <i>any</i> body hair. Realizing that was terrifying. Full of anxiety and fear that the next gym class would put me out in the open, I did the only thing that seemed to make sense, the only way to hide my deformity. I found a razor and shaved all the hair off my arms. Crying as I scraped the black hairs from my body, I wondered if I was turning more into a boy.</p>
<p>There was a place in the city called the Combat Zone. When I first met my birth mother, I was about 9 years old. She worked in the zone, which was an area full of striptease bars, adult shops, and creepy streets. She never took me there at night, but during the day so that she could get her check. She wore heavy makeup, and grandma said that was for “floozies.” Grandma never talked about girly things with me or did my hair in girly ways. She treated and raised me no differently than her boys. I understand that she didn’t spare the rod on them either.</p>
<p>The extremes of my reality created splits in the world. I couch surfed through childhood. In one place I was seen and not heard and was often called “young man” by strangers. Another place was full of whispered conversations, heavy perfumes, and loud drunk men. Sometimes it was better than beatings, other times not so much. I didn’t fit in anywhere, with anyone, and felt like an orphan by the time I was 10.</p>
<p>Gym classes in elementary schools were torture. I was terrified of that stupid plastic shower curtain coming apart and exposing my half-girl, half-boy body. I didn’t believe that any part of me was how a girl was supposed to be. I seemed to grow hair all over. I felt worse than a freak, like a mistake. A baby that shouldn’t have made it out of the womb.</p>
<p>It was so dark in my world, that I thought it best to not be in it. The first instance of this was at age 7, walking down the middle of the street and hoping that a car would hit me. Hoping to end the world’s pain caused by my existence, believing that I wasn’t worthy of love and belonging, driven largely by the things that my relatives would say about me, right in front of me.</p>
<p>My examples of femininity consisted of my great aunties with hair kerchiefs, Oil of Olay, and shuffleboard, as opposed to strippers, red lipstick, and parties with my new mother. Yet, I still couldn’t find anything about me that connected me to either life. There was nothing providing familiar attachment. It further implanted the belief that I was, in fact, born a mix of genders and failing at both.</p>
<p>“<a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/gender-dysphoria/"><strong>Gender dysphoria</strong></a>” is a term that was never a part of my lexicon. Today, these two words provide validation that I’m not a ‘freak’ after all. And the revelation that feeling born wrong isn’t unique to me. I have finally come to the realization that there are thousands of people who have struggled to understand who they are. It never seemed possible that anyone could be like me, not only as a child but in adulthood.</p>
<p>It has taken years of therapy and self-examination to find that there are so many struggling to understand their gender identity. There is comfort in knowing that I am not now, nor have I ever been, truly alone. If this resonates with you, may you find peace in knowing that you are not alone. You are normal, beautiful, and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/mental-health/accepting-my-inner-demon-and-loving-myself/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>worthy of love</strong></a> and belonging.</p>
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ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71754632023-03-21T00:03:33-04:002023-11-06T22:35:12-05:00The Chronic Pain Treatment That’s Changing My Life by Jenn Coffey<p>I decided to try LDN, Low Dose Naltrexone, and it’s changing my life<br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/low-dose-naltrexone-chronic-pain-treatment/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=story_published&utm_source=cordial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Published “The Mighty” December 2022</a></p><p>This year has been a hard one. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-pain/reality-of-chronic-pain-care-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The pain had been hard to control</a>. The neurological symptoms that come with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), the “suicide disease,” are vicious in nature. In addition, my skin punch biopsy revealed severe small fiber neuropathy. The nerve damage is extensive. The symptoms had gotten so bad that even when floating in a pool, it was as if shards of glass were being shoved into the bottoms of my feet while they lay trapped in a briar bush up to my ankles. I’ve reached a level of understanding of why amputation has been employed as a “treatment” for CRPS since the civil war.</p><p>I took control by following my personal three-second rule. I give myself exactly that, and then get up and move. Once I am in motion, it gets easier. Once I start the task at hand, it becomes fluid. I made appointments with three of my providers. My primary is who I have tasked to be the gatekeeper of my health. My neurologist specializes in the treatment of rare neurological disorders and diseases. Finally, my anesthesiologist a<a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/ketamine-infusions-saved-my-life-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dministers ketamine infusions</a> and blocks to aid in the treatment of my pain. I told each of them a few months ago that I was “losing ground,” and I feared permanently losing function. It’s a very real and not exaggerated reality that we, the forever sick, face. When you cease to be able to do something, it’s rare to get it back. I wanted to get on top of it before that happened. I wanted to try like heck to stop what appeared to be a progression of the disease.</p><p>At each provider, we reviewed scans, labs, symptoms, and tests such as EMG: “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/emg/about/pac-20393913#:~:text=Electromyography%20(EMG)%20is%20a%20diagnostic,%2Dto%2Dmuscle%20signal%20transmission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electromyography (EMG)</a> is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.”</p><p>I feel I get more from my providers by being straightforward and honest. I look them in the eye when I speak of losing the ability to walk. I need them to “feel” me, not just hear my words. I talk it out with them and listen to their input. Being an active partner in my treatments garners better care, hands down. I had to remain open to the tools the providers want to use to figure out what they can do to tweak my care and buy me more functional moments in life.</p><p>Option one involves piling on, or increasing doses and the number of medications I take. Then the “drug of last resort,” IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin). It takes thousands of healthy blood plasma donors to develop just one dose. One bag of precious antibodies helps people live with more quality. It comes with a rather large tether. It’s a six-hour infusion that for some is weekly, and for others monthly. Once started, it is likely a lifelong treatment.</p><p>With the low participation rates in blood donations across the country, it is a bag of gold to the sick, treating many ailments, such as Kawaski disease in children and Guillain-Barré syndrome. My neurologist, Dr. Farhad (Mass General and Wentworth-Douglas hospital provider) told me it costs upwards of $10,000 per treatment. When you become that costly to treat, insurance companies will do their best to deny access to life-saving treatment. My provider is actually known for fighting back to keep his patients above ground and living their best quality of life. Unfortunately, not all doctors are willing to use resources to appeal and fight the insurance companies for access to care. Before breast cancer, I was a medical provider myself. Now I can’t access the care that I helped give. (Please visit <a class="no-pjax" href="http://redcrossblood.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">redcrossblood.org</a> to schedule an appointment to donate blood today. Help to save a life.)</p><p>When Dr. Farhad brought LDN (low dose naltrexone) up to me, we had reached the point of adding more medications and we were running out of options. My daily doses of some of the things I must take are already high. Ketamine infusions are the only peace that I would achieve for maybe three weeks. Now it was wearing off faster. I was losing ground and scared. Being frightened wasn’t serving me very well. Crying over it wasn’t going to fix it. I was ready for IVIG and I felt awful at the thought. I didn’t want to have an infusion on top of infusions. It wouldn’t have stopped the ketamine infusions but rather in addition too. I wasn’t going to just go along with it. I was going to leave no stone unturned. Then everything changed.</p><p>Doc said I had a 50/50 chance that LDN would work. I never get good odds like that, so my ears perked up. The CRPS/SFN causes my nerves to be inflamed throughout my body. The small fibers in my skin are being destroyed at two levels, epidermis and dermis. I had no small fibers to be found in the epidermis, and the dermis had less than 1%. Yes, it’s pretty bad. Some days, just walking to the bathroom was next to impossible.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://weillcornell.org/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-low-dose-naltrexone#:~:text=Naltrexone%20works%20by%20temporarily%20binding,)%2C%20and%20then%20releases%20them" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naltrexone works</a> by temporarily binding and blocking a mechanism called the MU receptor, which is linked to pain. Blocking the receptor tells our bodies that we aren’t producing enough endorphins (our natural pain relievers), and then releases them.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://dispensariesltd.ca/health-hub/compounding-low-dose-naltrexone-ldn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Low dose naltrexone increases the secretion of naturally occurring endorphins</a> (“feel good, runner’s high”). Endorphins relieve pain, give a happy feeling, and reduce inflammation. LDN increases the release of the opioid growth factor which works powerfully to reduce inflammation, auto-immune responses, and tumor cell growth.</p><p>LDN may help to repair the linings of the gut and brain barriers that prevent absorption of foreign substances, thus healing issues caused by a damaged microbiome. Additionally, LDN <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.womensinternational.com/blog/ms-lupus-ldn-hormone-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may balance stress hormones, and also relieve anxiety and depression</a> by improving brain neurotransmitter function.</p><p>You can not take opioids with it. I’ve been off them for about four or five years, out from under the haze of awful medications. It is not contraindicated with ketamine infusions. I have found it enhances the benefits of cannabis. My view is supported by an <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/or.2022.8287" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oncology article from Spandidos Publications</a>. This particular study looked at the CBD side of cannabinoids taken while also receiving LDN nightly. I’ve noticed an ability to use less cannabis in the presence of daily nighttime doses of LDN. Needing less medication is incredible at this point of illness, and almost unheard of.</p><p>As I write this today, I am hopeful. Perhaps this is the start of a remission. I don’t kid myself and am forever a skeptic, so I do consider myself in the honeymoon stage of this treatment. I’ve noticed just how much calmer and happier I am. There is a stillness in me that hasn’t existed for years. It’s not just the endorphins, but the relief of a large amount of pain and neurological symptoms. The burning and fire ants have been for the most part put out. The glass shards and briar patches are gone. I’m able to rise out of a chair without shooting pains or daggers. My mind is clearer in this stillness, which feels so very new to me. Having been diagnosed with my second cancer in 2013, I can say I haven’t felt this good since then.</p><p>I am now spacing out my ketamine infusions. I write this while celebrating my 11th week since my last infusion, whereas I used to be able to wait no longer than six weeks. Now I am looking at three months. It’s said that the full effect of the medication is not fully known until eight to 12 months of use. I imagine that this could get even better, and I think I can really exhale. (As an added benefit, I have also lost weight.)</p><p>It’s never too late to try something new. Never look at the world as limited. Medical science grows by the day, offering new and wonderful ways to increase the quality of life and longevity. After spending two years locked in a bed, dependent on wheelchairs and oxygen, I am about to close out this piece, put on a bathing suit, and enjoy swimming in a pool. Look at me now being all badass. I am not defined by my diagnosis. I live in spite of it.</p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71740012023-03-18T00:41:02-04:002023-11-07T11:00:40-05:00Eric Pilcher reviews Blue Chips.<p><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=53231732&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%" height="350px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721582023-03-17T21:29:14-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00Real Pain Care Treatment Changes in New Hampshire Serve as a Model to the Rest of the Nation...
<p>Written by Jenny Lesogor-Coffey for the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://rsds.org/real-pain-care-treatment-changes-in-new-hampshire-serve-as-a-model-to-the-rest-of-the-nation/?fbclid=IwAR2p2n6uVY1iCix9Dmd29_mZ21dpyB35Ft3SUh4yK7ga20E54Ddq20OAWCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RSDSA blog</a> 8/26/2020<br>Also, published in The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://manchesterinklink.com/the-soapbox-real-pain-care-treatment-changes-in-nh-serve-as-a-model-to-the-rest-of-the-nation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester Ink Link</a> 10/30/2020</p><p>It is hard to find anything good in the news, especially concerning medical care, in the COVID era. As a patient, there are times that I feel invisible to those around me. Harder still is the number of people I have grown to care for and found kinship with who also have CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).</p><p>But something changed a couple of years ago. I started losing more people to suicide and assisted suicide and it terrified me to my core.</p><p>Laws in the state of New Hampshire were drastically changed in a misguided effort to cause less deaths due to the opioid epidemic. Illicit fentanyl has taken many lives, and that fear led lawmakers to limit all prescriptions and to put harsh rules into effect. Patients with incurable medical conditions were thrown under the bus by politicians wishing to make their mark, somehow changing the narrative to lump chronic pain patients in with street drug users. It became such a blindly led battle cry, that my state politicians told the world that there was never a reason someone outside of cancer needed life long opioids or pain control. Seeing those I had once respected and served with in the New Hampshire House of Representatives talking about medical needs as a choice people make and are not forced into became so overwhelming that I found myself physically ill. The madness of that thought and the lives it would end up taking in my state are staggering.</p><p>I have been known to cause political trouble, and this felt like the biggest battle I had ever taken on from the weakest I had ever felt in life, both physically and mentally.</p><p>In the summer of 2019, I went to an old friend who is still serving and has moved on to the NH Senate. Senator John Reagan had long been the champion of chronic pain and living with dignity. We became friends when we served in the House together. He and I worked on many bills, and since I left political life he has continued fighting. I went to him and spoke of the women in my breast cancer support groups who were denied their medication, and of those with CRPS who were told they would no longer be given medication. That pain care was a thing of the past and too much of a risk. Those laws put into place in a knee jerk reaction were now limiting care by law, but not by medically proven scientific needs. Politics had taken the front seat and patients were losing at a breakneck pace. If something was not done now, I worried if there would not be any pain care providers left in the state. So many were leaving or ceasing to see pain patients due to the risk of not only losing their licenses but going to jail for prescribing medication needed by someone like me with CRPS, the “suicide disease.” We talked about approximately 70% of CRPS patients who considered suicide or assisted suicide.</p><p>He and I went back and forth, and I shared with him story after story. I cried through telling him what it is like to have to sign a “pain contract,” pee in a cup with someone watching you, and go from a breast cancer patient with horrible outcomes to a suspected “druggy.” Because cancer won some of my battles, I felt as if I was being punished for surviving but not fully winning. Pain patients with horrific diseases were being denied care, losing access to care, and providers were willing to take care of their patients but then find themselves facing jail time.</p><p>All of this he could see as anyone who looked at the data could. The laws were causing increases in suicide as well as longterm care needs for those who could no longer care for themselves. These pain patients went from being able to bathe alone to needing help from another while sitting in a shower chair. We all simply want the ability to go out for a couple of hours even after spending just as many dressing up to meet a friend and feel human.</p><p>It was hard sharing with him details of going to a local emergency room and being made to feel as if I was scum and “faking” my horrific flare up of CRPS. How I was made to lay in a bed while they refused when I asked them to de-access my chest port, or them refusing to treat my flare up. (See, I had a salve on my government-mandated prescription list database and this brilliant emergency room doctor thought the 15 or so ingredients in this compounding cream were given as individual drugs orally. He believed that I was taking them all by mouth, a white nasty salve that I rubbed into my muscles. He refused to hear any evidence to the contrary and humiliated me in front of loved ones and friends.) I told Senator Regan how this one doctor scared me so badly that I asked my primary for a DNR, said I would never go again, and that I was done with treatments. I am here today because of those who did not give up on me and worked to talk me into trying ketamine infusions. Today I share this and other stories openly to stop the senseless loss of life created by both the well-meaning, and the downright idiocy, that exists in politics, and how they can end lives or create them with a stroke of a pen. A dismissive and bad doctor can end a life without even trying.</p><p>The hardest part for me was going back into those halls and putting my life on display while I begged them to change the law before it was me looking at assisted suicide. When Senator Reagan presented the bill he has worked so long and hard on, all eyes fell to me when he said he did the bill because of me. He then invited me to join him at the table and share with them what I had told him about the lives of people with CRPS. We were able to prove to the legislature that not only did we need pain patients protected, but that there should not be a limit on medications. (Suggestions fine, but no hardline limit.) I felt as if they listened to me more because I am not currently an opioid patient, but I had been, understanding that no one knows if ketamine infusions will work for my lifetime. That doctors should and are now encouraged to take care of their patients and prescribe as needed to extend every life possible. We told pharmacists that they have to fill the scripts which doctors tell them to, but they can verify with the doctor, just not flat out refuse. Most importantly, we put in law which mandates that chronic pain patients shall be treated with dignity by all medical professionals.</p><p>New Hampshire has taken the punitive nature out of law as it pertains to people who are holding out hope for a cure. Now the legislature knows that cancer is not the worst pain, and what CRPS is and does to men, women, and children across our nation. We hope that New Hampshire will serve as a gold standard of pain care for those suffering from incurable painful ailments and that in so doing we are also raising awareness for the need to find treatments and cures for CRPS.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721592023-03-17T21:22:58-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00Give Yourself a Break Published on “The Mighty” 10/30/2020
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2020/10/giving-myself-break-chronic-pain-mental-illness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See “The Mighty” Publication He</a><a rel="noopener">re</a></p><p><br>My therapist said I could teach the class in dealing with chronic pain. That is a compliment and far from anything to be embarrassed about. One of the best choices I ever made when I was told I had cancer a second time, this time in the breast, was to acquire a therapist to hold space for me. I hope that by sharing this with others, that they will be empowered not let fear keep them from getting help. If you or someone you love is in need of help, please reach out. The more we talk about brain health, the better a society we will become.</p><p>Thinking back, I remember thinking that it wouldn’t be forever. Having a therapist was to be just for a year or so while in treatment. I was embarrassed and didn’t want anyone to know. I hid my secret, or so I thought, from others, but we have a way of carrying our sorrows and pain in ways that others can see and feel. I didn’t understand that back then. I wasn’t truly hiding anything.</p><p>I thought that I could handle anything. I thought that I handled my place in this world, but I didn’t. Life handled me. Growing up with abuse and abandonment. Not knowing what it was like to not be “her left behind baby” was soul-crushing. As a child I would walk down the middle of the street hoping a car would hit me. I had no idea just how much of my daily life had been dictated by those events and more. I had to unlearn some things and learn more about what it meant to be just Jenny. Who would I have been without the weight of it all?</p><p>When I started with my therapist, she had this thing she would do, and I thought it was the foo-foo-ist crap I had ever seen. I was polite, but seriously, she wanted me to “notice” what is wrong, as she raised her hand to the side of her face and then pushed it behind her while saying, “and let it go.” Honestly, I think I wanted to get up and walk out. “What was this crap she was talking about?” I thought to myself. She would add that I needed to accept there was a lot more than I was willing to speak of that set my life on the path it was on. I had to accept that I have CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and that it does not define me. That I was facing life-changing events and choices, and none of it would be easy. I needed to give myself permission to treat my whole being. Mind, body, and soul.</p><p>CPTSD is not the same as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder); each one has its own cause and effect. With PTSD, the reaction is to an event that scares the mind in a way that cannot be wished away, and needs proper treatment. It actually alters the way the brain works, and can make even a simple task appear life-threatening. CPTSD is a nasty animal that needs treatment. A brain injury that occurs in children, CPTSD occurs when abuse continues over long periods of time. That abuse causes the brain to develop differently from someone raised without physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. As the months and years go by, the child learns to protect themselves by trying to please everyone. They will say they are sorry for everything, even if it was something that happened when they were not around.</p><p>The mind’s protective mechanism of “fight, flight, or freeze” doesn’t develop normally. It becomes trained to work harder or be “on” all the time. Working harder also means there is less energy to go around and less available to regulate emotion in the brain. Self-value, self-image, and social relationships become dark and full of self-described negatives. Being alive is seen, for some of us, as damaging the world with our very existence. “What if we didn’t exist? The world would be a better place,” was a daily thought. Those whom I loved, I believed would have better lives unburdened by my existence. I felt that way toward everyone in my life. I carried that with me into my marriage. I allowed myself to be less than my ex-husband.</p><p>CPTSD is an injury that I have, but it is also an injury that I have learned to have coping skills and healthy outlets for. Now I use that to help me with my pain. Dealing with pain takes mental skills, just as dealing with a brain injury does. You can’t just throw a pill at it and expect it to be controlled. Noticing the things that do cause stress, anxiety, and other effects of chronic pain is the most important first step. It’s about taking control and giving yourself permission to matter. Most importantly, it’s about recognizing and accepting the pain as real.</p><p>We have now worked on my skills for well over six years. The learning never ends. I have heard it said that who I am today is not who I will be tomorrow. If I am doing my job right, I will strive to be a better human tomorrow than I was today. I’m allowed to still mess up, but never am I seen as a failure. It’s taken years of work to be able to say that and mean it. The strength I gain from that one simple thing is life altering.</p><p>I notice that things actually work. It works by acknowledging that there is an issue to begin with, to no longer pretend that it is not happening. When something is upsetting, I tell my doctors flat out. I will say to them, “this sucks,” and the response is, “you’re allowed to say this sucks.” We will learn and move forward. This is part of the discussion I had with my primary care provider, about my recent skin biopsy showing small fiber neuropathy. Another incurable circumstance to deal with, and a heavy load to add to an already damaged mind and body. Strengthening my own self-worth has given me tools to deal with the pressure, and to not let it overwhelm me. I stay in control and I matter.</p><p>The greatest gift my therapist has given me is the help to find the path on my own to a better me. I don’t have magic or special pills. I have a good guide who is not biased, and has a much clearer view to offer me than my emotionally personal view. I have a good solid trauma-trained therapist, and she holds space for me to cry over my medical conditions, and to hash out the plan of care that makes me feel in control of my health. When you are chronically ill, you really need to at least listen to the advice before you try to shrug it off, as I tried at first with “noticing” the things that are hard. I can push it to the side and deal with the moment in front of me, knowing I will get back to it. However, it will not define me or clutter up my mind making it hard to deal with the task at hand. I’ve learned to be gentle with myself and others.</p><p>It’s funny, now there are times when I feel strong and step up to deal with something. I will put my hand up next to my face, look at it, and notice it. I let my hand slowly start to move past my head and look straight at it. I pull my hand back and say out loud, “oh, I noticed you, and heck no, I am not letting you go. Get back here so we can deal with this.” Then I have the courage to strive to do just that in that moment. I’m allowed to pick the time and place that occurs.</p><p>Sometimes it’s just following the “three second rule.” I don’t mean eating food off the floor. There are moments when getting out of the chair to attempt something seems nearly impossible. My body feels heavier. I start to feel tight, and at times stressed, and the pain makes it hard to think straight. There is that urge to hide under a blanket and not come out until it’s too late or someone else gets to it. I count in my head now, “one, two, three,” and then I get up and start moving. Once I start doing what I was trying to avoid, I find that I can get things done. It might take me all day, but that’s fine. No one is going to fire me for trying to pick up around the house, or trying to boil some eggs. My time is my own. I might have to sit down a dozen times, but I will get it done.</p><p>It doesn’t matter if it is working on a painting, or spending four hours just getting dressed and making myself happy with my own appearance, but getting that accomplished feels amazing. Illness has caused weight gain, and well, I have curves. I have actually never weighed as much as I do now, not even when I was pregnant. You know what? I have also never looked sexier than I do now. I don’t say that for you to look and make a judgment. It doesn’t matter what you think about that issue. It only matters what I see in the mirror. I smile and say, “you look nice” or “hey there, sexy in the mirror.” I carry myself in that strength, and you know what? I have n, and how much of it came from the negative and dark talk of narcissistic people I surrounded myself with at one time. The “yes” folks who were around me, but not to be with me</p><p>Give yourself permission to be happy. Laugh at everything you can every single day. That is my secret to surviving breast cancer, lymphedema, endometriosis, SFN. CRPS, and the long list of things that went wrong in this body, in large part due to genetics. I gave myself permission to not blame myself for being born “wrong,” but to accept who I am, and what I can do. The good works in the legislature, and art I can offer to anyone who wishes to see it and smile. I don’t look for others to approve of me. I love them to join me in a dance at my favorite pretzel stop. I love me just the way I am, and with my skills and some good old fashion box breathing perhaps I will hit my goal of living to be 116.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2020/10/giving-myself-break-chronic-pain-mental-illness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read on “The MIghty”</a></p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721602023-03-17T21:15:58-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00Tamoxifen Toxicity and Me (Published in “The Mighty” 12/30/2020)
<p>The “best case,” that is what my doctors told me about my second diagnosis with cancer. I had the “good” cancer, the one most treatable, a hormone-positive breast cancer. The plan was straightforward, and in my case, I was told my stage one invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast could be cured. I underwent a mastectomy and had clean margins. I was to be a success and spend a few years on tamoxifen therapy. It was 2013, and my life would never be the same.</p><p>Like many, I was “lucky” to have had my cancer found on routine screening mammography. Found early and not have spread to my lymph nodes meant that they expected a full recovery. They expected to have me simply take a pill once a day for a few years, at first for five years, later planned to be ten. That plan didn’t go so well. At six years in, this medication and my body would have a falling out. It would take me nearly two years to understand what had happened.</p><p>In a very rare number of breast cancer patients, something goes wrong and the medication meant to prevent a recurrence of cancer can, in its own way, become another cancer of sorts. That is what it did to me. I am in the less than one percent of patients who will develop tamoxifen retinopathy. Tamoxifen is not alone, as there are other medications, which is a rare small group of people, can become toxic instead of preventative therapies. With breast cancer being the all-encompassing diagnosis to deal with, it is very easy to fall behind in the other important preventative measures that we should all take. All you can think about is preventing another cancer; the routine physicals, labs, and testing can take a back seat.</p><p>For reasons that medical science doesn’t understand yet and that baffles my personal doctors, tamoxifen suddenly stopped being a preventative for breast cancer and became “trapped” of sorts in my lymph system. Rather than my body having a use for the tamoxifen, it became a toxin, starting to cause irreversible damage that perhaps could have been prevented, if it could have been caught sooner, and that is a big “if.” It’s so rare that most eye doctors have never and will never have a patient similar to me in their care. The deposits in the macular of my eyes form crystal-like deposits affecting my vision. Stopping the medication could reduce them over time, but there is no guarantee. I added yet another specialist to the long list of amazing providers on my team. I would become his one and only patient with what he called a “classic case” of tamoxifen retinopathy. He couldn’t say how this would play out, or if I would lose vision, or how fast. I started to feel as if I needed to hurry up and see as much of the world as I could.</p><p>My lymphatic system, already damaged by lymphedema, now became “attached” to a deposit of unused tamoxifen in my eyes and ears. I started to experience increasing difficulty seeing. The world would become blurry all of a sudden, and even using a large television for a computer monitor doesn’t cut it sometimes. Street signs would have glares that are impossible for me to see through. In the morning I would see more, but some days as early as 11 am, my vision would be reduced to a blurry and patchy world. I used my paintbrush to distract myself. Turning up the music and “painting through the glare” is how I would cope. I became fascinated with how different a painting would look to me at night, versus first thing in the morning after a good night’s sleep. I still wish I could find better words to explain the changes in my art as my eyes shift. I have a fascination with playing with paint at different times in the day, at different shifts in my vision.</p><p>To this day, I still can’t read or see correctly. This loss of vision started after six years of treatment with tamoxifen. It wasn’t during the first year of treatment, as one would expect. I had let my guard down and skipped a year of eye exams. Why? To save money and unhealthy fear. I felt my glasses could last another year. I now know, my failure to get the blurred vision looked at, was my own fear. My protective brain was trying to get me not to consider it by ignoring the symptoms, having no idea that decision would lead to unforeseen issues. I would end up taking the medication for about another year after the onset of symptoms.</p><p>Ophthalmologists were told to look out for signs of tamoxifen retinopathy, but patients were not. As patients, it would be a short sentence in some large package full of information about breast cancer. There wasn’t any kind of strong warning from my care providers. I looked at tamoxifen as my anti-cancer pill and failed to even consider that it could have any kind of negative effect. In my case, it all started with that occasional blurry vision, which turned into an everyday struggle.</p><p>It wouldn’t take long for the retina specialist to figure out the vision problem. They would take all kinds of images of my eyes, including a special OCT image with drops that made it hard to keep them open. There were the normal tests and the field of vision tests. The result would be a “classic case” of tamoxifen retinopathy. They found cysts on both retinas and deposits in the macular of both eyes. These toxic deposits were stealing my vision. The solution was stopping the medication. The damage can’t be undone, but by stopping the medication, there was the hope of reducing the deposits in the macular of both eyes over time. In the worst case, I would go blind. I was fearful, but had a sudden odd sense of defiance; this will not define me. I was worried about stopping the medication and having cancer come back. It’s a hard line to walk, trying to not have cancer again, and not losing any more parts of me in the process. It was enough to cause me to spend some quality time working that thought out in my head, the possibility of blindness. Of course, I stopped the tamoxifen, but I worried, what if it keeps getting worse? I thought about that question every day and it drove me to do more in spite of it.</p><p>It is hard to explain what that moment was like, being told that I could stay as I was, which was blurry or go blind with time. There was no way to “remove” or treat the cysts or deposits. Only time would tell if I would lose more vision or not. It’s hard for doctors to have to say, “I don’t know.” It’s even harder to hear it. We want our providers to have all the answers, to be able to patch us back up and keep us going in life. It’s the unknown that drives them to find answers and our hopes that they can do it in our lifetimes.</p><p>I didn’t have a lot of time to worry, as a new worry was what damage was done to my ears. I had developed terrible tinnitus that really couldn’t be stopped, and I was often told things I listened to were “too loud,” or that I couldn’t understand someone right in front of me if they were too far from me. Once again there was testing, and the findings were that the tamoxifen toxicity had also exacerbated my hearing loss from driving an ambulance. I had to shake my head in disbelief. How can I really be going blind and deaf? This I didn’t recall being in my “welcome to the world of breast cancer” instructions. It was a real fear, and it would take well over a year of monitoring for the doctors to be able to figure out what direction my newest rare disorder diagnosis would go in.</p><p>I would be lucky. The progression of my hearing loss and vision issues have been treated with hearing aids, and oral medication to help my eyes work a bit better, albeit not a real treatment. The effect is the difference between needing to walk with a blind cane, or getting to leave it at home, a freedom that was not lost on me. I don’t have a fear of using tools. Actually, I am a fan of useful items, but if I do not need it for a little while, or maybe for a few more years, I win. These other medical hurdles I have had to jump over, still, did not define me.</p><p>I’ve chosen to share this story, in part for the selfish reason of perhaps meeting another patient like me, with tamoxifen retinopathy or tamoxifen OTOtoxicity. Here’s looking for another zebra. I encourage you to not skip routine exams. Keep up with your eye and ear health, see a dentist, and do all the things we should do to keep ourselves as healthy as we can, for as long as we can. That’s my best advice for how I live with rare incurable disorders.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721612023-03-17T21:12:40-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00How Ketamine Infusions Saved My Life
<p>Ketamine infusions have been in the news for both good and bad reasons. All too often the stories involve people who have vastly different lives than most. They have access to or can afford the best in medical care. They don’t know what it is like to wait or fight to get approval of needed care, key in the federal government’s snail’s pace to approval, and patients pay the price. I am no one special, certainly not rich and do not get access to the medical care I really need. I do spend money receiving ketamine infusions and it’s worth it. I’m worth it.</p><p>After five years of suffering, I wanted to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. My primary care provider was not in favor, but he would respect my wishes. My condition was finally diagnosed as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) aka “the suicide disease.” There was no cure and no FDA-approved treatments, except in some cases, amputation. Yes, cutting off body parts to stop the torture.</p><p>After two years of being bed-bound, using walkers, wheelchairs and oxygen, I was so tired of fighting to simply live. I wanted to sign and be done. I saw no hope at all. I had just had to transfer over to a new pain doctor who had given me my diagnosis and swore he would make my life better. He started talking to me about ketamine infusions. There was reason for hope.</p><p>At that time and still today, ketamine infusions are not approved. They are considered experimental treatments, and under the right to try laws, can be available for a price. It took thousands of dollars to start the treatment. I sold my car, traded in car payments for medical care and have never looked back.</p><p>The ketamine at a higher dose, and with strict controls and care, can in fact change the world for a pain patient, or even someone with CRPS. After living under the haze of opioids, I would have given anything to be clear-headed again, to feel “human” and not just partially present for life. In the beginning, it was a lower dose that was increased every day for two weeks with only the weekend off. I spent two weeks counting on others to care for me. I would get sick and spend my time home asleep. We did this over and over until we hit the right dose. At that point, I would get two weeks off, and then go in for what is called a booster.</p><p>I was able to just walk on my own power by booster time. The infusion had cut my pain down by 75 percent! It was amazing. It was such a decrease that my pulse rate started to come down. I couldn’t believe the difference. Starting infusions and a revamp on my oral medications made me human again.</p><p>Ketamine infusions done correctly can make the difference between wanting to live, and wanting to die. It’s that drastic. Being able to wash my own body without help, to stand in the shower seemed so huge to me, I cried over it. The walker slowly went away, and I could take short walks with a cane, even get out of the house for a couple of hours and experience life beyond the windows of home. I could move a bit and enjoy my porch. I forgot what it was like to sit amongst nature and hear the birds, and even have a garden. A forward-thinking life was finally possible.</p><p>I then continued with infusions monthly until the practice closed. Finding another one wouldn’t be easy. Most doctors do not and cannot do this treatment. I was lucky that practice came in and took their place, offering care. I have to say, being able to access infusion suites made me feel like a medical queen, getting treatment in a much nicer environment.</p><p>Now, I do a lot to support my treatments. I drink a lot of water to keep my veins plump and ready to move that medicine around my body. Good food and the right supplements have helped immensely. As I sit here, it’s been two and a half years since starting ketamine infusions. There have been changes to the science, and the doctors are even better at the care now. The federal government, on the other hand, has not progressed at all toward any approved treatments for CRPS patients.</p><p>Now I arrive and go to a private infusion suite. I have ambient sounds or music to choose from, and no need for a headset. The leather bed/chair cradles me, and the twenty-first-century intravenous pumps only give me what fluid is needed to administer the ketamine. Not a giant bag that I don’t need, nor does my bladder or blood pressure need. I am monitored and fall asleep, at times gazing at the salt lamp while piano music drifts me off. The premeds ensure I stay comfortable, and I feel as if I am falling asleep. I do not experience any hallucinations, nor do I have to. As a pain patient, I can choose to be sound asleep while my veins are filled with the medication. I often think of it as if the IV fluids are bathing my nerves, like water to a flame, putting out the fire for a little bit. A chance to exhale each time we hit the reset with the next booster infusion. My infusions are not set in stone, as my care is tailor-made for me. Sometimes treatments are four weeks apart, sometimes further apart, and once we even got me to eight weeks without an issue.</p><p>It’s not easy; there are times that I vomit. Most of the time that doesn’t happen, and I am grateful. The swiss cheese memory? That happens, and it’s not going to stop happening. The medication causes temporary amnesia. You have to get used to it, and no, after years of this I am still not used to it. Someone has to stay with you, as being alone is dangerous until you are clear of the medication. If you have ever had surgery or a procedure, you may have had ketamine used to help put you into “conscious sedation,” or completely asleep.</p><p>Overseas, ambulances have used ketamine for pain for decades. It is now used on ambulances here in the states as well. It fell back into favor and works great in emergency departments on children who need a bone reset. The docs can do the work and the kiddos don’t even remember what happened. The medication is actually better in some cases than propofol. One of the doctors I worked with had told me that kids can recover better from ketamine than they do its counterpart in sedation. They become aware after the doctors have put their broken bones back together. Sedation spares the child from needless suffering. Still, want to call it an animal tranquilizer? For some, it’s the difference between living and dying from the most painful disease known to medical science: CRPS. It’s also pretty damn insulting to the patients that go through these treatments to hear heartless commentary.</p><p>There are people out there who demonize this treatment without actually understanding how it works, and how it can “reset” the peripheral nervous system to cause less suffering, to allow a person to have some quality moments and not just moments to breathe. To call it nothing but an animal tranquilizer or a street drug, is the type of bullying language that has, and will, cost lives. Those folks are simply showing their ignorance, without even realizing the power of their words. Reporters sensationalize and use hyperbolic word choices to keep ketamine newsworthy and exciting. That also causes patients to stay at the fringes of society and keep treatment a secret. Hiding parts of ourselves out of fear of being reduced to a “druggie.” Worse, that commentary hits the ears of a patient on the edge of trying it. They say no because of it. In some cases, they may die as a result.</p><p>Ketamine infusions have personally given me back my life. Gone are the endless days of being bed-bound and barely able to move. The opioids had clouded my mind, changed my personality and caused so many other complications. It wasn’t a life; it was an existence. I am over two years into infusions now. I have traveled to Europe more than once. Seen museums and lived through this bizarre COVID world, with hours spent sitting at the end of a paintbrush, rather than lying around in a bed watching the paint peel off the walls. It is that big of a difference.</p><p>It is that much of a game-changer. It is the difference between life and death. It’s a treatment that should be approved as soon as possible, as the first valid treatment for CRPS known to medical science.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721622023-03-17T21:10:05-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00The Problem With the Way Laws and the Press Treat CRPS
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2021/08/crps-laws-discrimination-rare-chronic-pain/?fbclid=IwAR0b12Ty0v8mmkTCrUcz6Sqogj5e0CuIq7OhmDNaYR3ApomNEKYxO3_gst0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Published in The Mighty August 7, 2021</a></p><p>The media loves to hype up a television series and as of late, they have destroyed public perception of CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), as well as the experimental treatment of ketamine infusions. One would hope for a rare disease to be represented respectfully. Unfortunately, that often doesn’t happen.</p><p>In television shows, it seems that most people who have CRPS are portrayed as drug addicts. A case in point is the instance of a disease affecting a man on a television show, “Station 19.” His storyline quickly becomes one of an opioid addict, who still works in a high-stress, highly physical job as a firefighter. He is told that he will only be given pain medication for a little while and needs to simply consent to a surgery to “cure” his CRPS and send him back to working at the fire station.</p><p>These lies can cost real lives. For the record, there is no surgery to “fix” CRPS. There is to date no approved treatment for CRPS. It’s the most painful disease known to modern medicine and is nicknamed the “suicide disease,” as it is so bad that it drives people to stop living. There is no magic surgery, and for some of us it is not limited to one limb. There is nothing left of me that is not affected.</p><p>If you search, you will see over and over again the demonization of ketamine infusions, the only treatment that has been found to work for CRPS, but is still limited in use, as it is considered experimental. Patients and providers are fighting to fix that, but that search I suggested will come up with terms like “psychedelic,” “legal high,” “trip therapy,” and the list goes on. Each one of these inappropriate terms causes people to see patients as drug addicts. Patients are also seen as not really sick. I’m certainly not a skinny person, which is what many people expect to see when they hear “sick.” Ketamine infusions have been found to help other conditions also, such as depression. That being said, readers can understand how hard it is to deal with an invisible illness, never mind adding an experimental treatment. I have personally been told that I am on an “animal tranquilizer” and must be just an addict.</p><p>I have never “craved” ketamine. For me, it is like chemotherapy. They sedate me for over four hours to give me the medicine. Despite our best efforts and added medication for nausea, I often vomit from the treatment. My multisystem illnesses are very hard to keep stable. Yet stable here I sit. So yes, about every six weeks, I submit myself to infusion therapy and spend the day feeling not so great in order to gain a few weeks of decreased symptoms, and keep the ability to walk. Without treatment, it takes only a couple of months for me to become unable to get out of bed.</p><p>Facebook has now implemented a policy that the word “ketamine” is verboten. When I try to go to my support group, I see a warning about illicit drugs. It reads, “Are you sure you want to continue? If you or someone you know struggles with drug misuse, there are organizations that can help. The term you searched for is sometimes associated with the sale of drugs, which isn’t allowed on Facebook.”</p><p>Two steps forward. one step back. We have to once again fight to be seen as patients and not as drug addicts. I can’t tell you how discouraging it is to have a rare, incurable disease and have the one treatment that works be demonized. My treatment support group can no longer even type the word “ketamine.” Our support group, made up of patients and providers, gets a strike if one of us uses the word. Now on Facebook, anyone talking about ketamine has been deemed potential drug users. For over a hundred years there has been no treatment for CRPS. We finally have one, but we can no longer talk about it online. We have to type practically in code to keep our group together, the group that has been a beacon of hope for people with a rare disease.</p><p>There is a group of providers who are now fighting for all of us in America to not only have access to the treatment, but have it approved by the FDA. The first step in the process has already been submitted by the ketamine task force of providers. If you want to see more information on the taskforce, you can find it at ketaminetaskforce.com. Once the treatment is recognized, patients will have access to their treatments through medical insurance. Right now, almost every patient pays out of pocket in full for the treatment. Having a right to try a medication doesn’t mean that your insurance will cover one dime of it. For far too many, this life-saving treatment is financially out of reach.</p><p>My personal doctor has told me to hold on; he is doing everything he can to get our treatment approved, to force insurance companies to cover the very treatment that keeps me and thousands of others alive. My doctor is the vice-president of the task force. I was floored when I realized that not only did my doctor not close his doors at the start of COVID. I will never be able to say enough about this man. He saved my life and helped countless others.</p><p>State laws reflect some of the lies the media portrays. In some states, “cancer” is written into state statutes that regulate pain medications. It is written in black and white that the worst pain is cancer, while other patients with extreme pain are questioned. It’s horrific discrimination based on old-fashioned beliefs. Cancer pain can be horrible; I’ve had it twice, but laws need to be based on science. My own state of New Hampshire has it in statute that “cancer” is the worst pain, a lie that costs lives. You wonder why 70% of CRPS patients attempt or consider suicide? I don’t; I live it and lose parts of my soul every time I see another post memorializing a friend.</p><p>There are positive movements. New Hampshire actually changed its laws in a positive direction. When I presented in front of the New Hampshire Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and I realized that the Chair, a doctor himself, was nodding in agreement with me, I cried. He understood that the McGill Pain Scale is the medically recognized way to measure pain. Things like childbirth without medication are scaled higher than a broken bone. Cancer is not the worst pain on the scale; CRPS is. The committee led the way and the bill was passed into law. In part, the new law creates exemptions to the prescribing rules for situations in which an opioid is being prescribed for the management of chronic pain.</p><p>I hope that we as a species “get it” when it comes to following science, and not political or sensationalized news for understanding a medical condition. A girl can hope. CRPS is not terminal, but it can mean living with pain worse than amputating a limb. Medical science has no idea why CRPS happens, and in over 145 years since its discovery, how to cure it. It’s a life that is full of treatments and medications forever. Can we now recognize science and adjust to meet current knowledge? Stop teaching providers and citizens false narratives, and start insisting on the best care possible for anyone, no matter what the disease is. I fear that until we succeed in this, we will continue to lose lives to complex regional pain syndrome.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721632023-03-17T21:04:08-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00June 2022 Article in “The Mighty” – The Reality of Chronic Pain Care
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2022/06/reality-of-chronic-pain-care-humanity/?fbclid=IwAR2yh9VH-X-_wEZD7Dh-O7ZbytIMZX18mrbC-2EScX0bqkJa8FGyZPos0a8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(View this article on The Mighty here.)</a></p><p>You might hear me on the radio, maybe saying too much or sounding emotional about my medical care. About having illnesses with no known cures, which never get better, but do get worse. Knowing each loss of physical ability is never going to come back, unless or until there is a cure.</p><p>I have very real years of things just like this, and worse, being done to me, to treat what has no approved treatment known to modern medicine. For the small fiber neuropathy and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that medicine has been studying for over 145 years, there is no cure, and no FDA-approved treatment yet.</p><p>This video is one of the hundreds of similar awful treatments that I used to have to endure (Warning: the video below contains a graphic medical images). I was also still having to take opioids and narcotics, just to manage taking a shower, but not much else. I lived barely in a haze, with torturous pain, and what now seems like a battery of medically medieval treatments. I barely functioned and had many moments when I didn’t want to be here anymore. Like <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942549/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">70% of folks with CRPS</a>, I thought about suicide. I thought that even I can’t be such a horrible person to deserve this, right? I got cancer a second time. It’s not my fault, yet I felt punished for existing.</p><p>It is <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2021/06/ketamine-infusions-saved-my-life-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">life-changing to now have humane treatments</a>, where I never have to suffer. I never feel gaslighted, like I have to “suck it up.” I never cry out and feel the tears running into my ears, trying desperately not to move, silently screaming for it to stop. My partner, Matt, never hears me while sitting in the waiting room, screaming out in sudden and horrific pain. It could be a brief moment or several minutes. “You’re doing great, just a few more minutes.” I would hold my breath in an attempt to ease my pain, or at least hold in the screams. “You’re such a trooper; we’re almost there.” It’s up to me, right?</p><p>This was treatment eight years ago, about every six weeks. This was treatment for about four years of my life, before doing everything I could to buy my way into “experimental” treatment. There was no sedation or comfort meds unless you count injecting numbing agents prior to the 12-inch needle insertions, most often through my abdomen. Would you look, watching the needles, or would you lay back, close your eyes, and submit to what has been presented as the “only” treatment option?</p><p>[Warning: the following video contains a graphic medical images]</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/ViTlbnbviAY">What a rectus sheath block looks like (ultrasound guided) Click her to see this writer’s own past treatments.</a></p><p>When I talk about my doctor saving my life, I am dead serious. I have dignity now. I have hope for future discoveries. I have a provider who brings in cutting-edge treatment options. Hearing about something new is not unusual. I’ve created a quality life, with the ability to take pride in what I do. People I have helped, and continue to, help to remind me and validate me to keep fighting.</p><p>They inspire me to keep writing and talking about medical care with dignity, narrative medicine, and expectations, and that we did nothing to deserve what violates our bodies, what causes my body to attack parts of itself. Treatments and infusions give me the ability to live, and I deserve to. We all do, and we, the forever sick, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2021/11/doctor-advice-chronic-illness-doesnt-define-me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">should not be defined by our illnesses</a>. In our strengths, we endure and count as valuable members of society, contributing to society and deserving life.</p><p>Humanity needs to be put back into the treatment of chronic pain, by having more doctors like the providers I have now. Supporting and asking for personalized palliative care. Advocating for comfort medications with treatments. Everyone is worthy of the best medical care there is, the most humane care possible. Medical equality has a long way to go.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721642023-03-17T21:01:46-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00May 2022 Article in “The Mighty” – When Government Overreach Harms Chronic Pain Patients
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/2022/05/limiting-pharmacies-harms-chronic-pain-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(View this article on “The Mighty” here.)</a></p><p>I want to cover an issue that was born from illicit drugs, but has found a scapegoat in chronic, intractable pain patients. Patients stable in palliative care suddenly become the boss of a drug cartel. New limits on prescription access affecting arguably the sickest citizens among us. This is a unique problem affecting a fraction of those with incurable disorders, but make no mistake, it continues to cost lives. We need doctors making choices for patients, not legislators looking for the quick fix and a fast track to winning the next election.</p><p>In order to curb opiate use and abuse, in some instances, laws were passed in haste. Federal stupidity in 2016, in the form of a recommendation by the CDC, caused a massive shift in care of the chronically ill. New restrictions on all patients who are prescribed controlled medications, not just those with severe incurables, cost thousands of lives. It’s an example of a good idea gone bad. This overreach born from illicit fentanyl use limits people to only one pharmacy, regardless of the individual patient’s needs or lack of prescription medication coverage. This makes real people choose which medications they can afford to fill, and which medications they will ration, or just do without. Limiting pharmacies has created an unfair financial burden on people most likely living on fixed incomes, with insufficient prescription drug plans. Large companies, like Goodrx, can negotiate prices that often dwarf insurance plans with high premiums, out of pocket expenses, and flat out refusal to cover life-saving medications.</p><p>We hear all too often how legislators are trying to look out for patients, by putting blanket controls on how people can fill their prescriptions. When a pain patient is prescribed any controlled substance currently, they’re mandated to sign what is called a pain contract. It’s an agreement meant to protect providers and patients, or at least that is the garbage reason used to do it, as it actually causes chronic pain patients to be treated as criminal drug addicts. It micromanages a patient’s care, with no consideration for ailment or individual life situations. Common sense takes a back seat in the face of ill-placed and exaggerated fear.</p><p>The penalty for violating this contract can, and often does, result in loss of access to medical care and medications. In other words, they fire you from the practice and refuse to see you in the office. Some have even refused to taper, cutting off medication refills, leaving someone to suffer what can only be described as torture. The contracts have a lot of built in restrictions, besides limiting your use of pharmacies to one pharmacy. On the surface, that sounds reasonable, and if the restriction was only on the control medications, maybe it would work better. However, it’s not, and depending on providers, you may simply be stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. You could be trading treatment for one illness over another. How do you make such a choice?</p><p>Not all pharmacies are alike, as they are not equal in what they charge for a given medication. Here in the United States, people have to shop around for their medications. Insurance companies choose what your copay is, in part based on where you fill the script. It truly can become a situation of not enough money, so you skip medication. A harsh reality of how medical care in the United States creates population controls without trying. The reality is rarely kind to those with financial limitations, to accompany their incurable ailment and mounting medical bills.</p><p>I now have four pharmacies. I only want to have one, but I can’t afford that. I have had to give up on access to medication. This year medications are more expensive, and my list of pharmacies has grown. My care is complex enough without having to deal with four different pharmacies. A list of pharmacists I could never know, and worse, they never get to know me. I really do miss that personalized care that I use to have access to.</p><p>Being forced to shop this way for life-extending medications is not only awful, it’s dangerous. I used to have one pharmacy, with all my allergies and prescription history known. Heck, the pharmacist knew me not just by name, but by face. The pharmacist would at times warn me if there was a contraindication with one of my medications, especially over the counter medications.</p><p>Now I have far too many pharmacists. I practically have a football team between the pharmacies. It can be a bear to ensure everything refills correctly. If I have a question I have to try to tell them my medical history and rare diseases that they have never heard of, in less than 60 seconds. My complexity only makes that 100 times worse. It’s awful to depend on someone to get things right when you are introducing a disease that they may not have even heard of. Yes, there have been times when they have said, “I don’t know. I’ve never heard of it.” If not them, who do you find the answers from?</p><p>The point of trying to prevent doctor shopping, and attempts to fill a prescription fraudulently, has now caused a stage four cancer patient to post videos of how they were denied their prescription, because they dared to try to go to a cheaper pharmacy, or worse, the one that has the medication in stock. Some pharmacists have become so militant, they have forgotten to be human. That cancer patient passed away not long ago. Her last bit of time was, in part, crying that the pharmacist considered her a drug seeker; how cruel. It’s not the incurable pain patient trying to pull one over on a pharmacist; it’s a small number of people who come into pharmacies with ill intent. Most of the people who come are simply trying to live longer and suffer less. Sometimes I feel as if humanity has been removed from us, and replaced with cold, hard video screens. It feels as if the world no longer has tolerance for those of us unable to keep up. Where now often denied beneficial treatments and medications, because we have become too expensive to keep alive. If that sounds harsh, just imagine how it feels as it happens over and over again to you.</p><p>In my case, I am not on any controlled medications, so I am lucky to be able to shop around to get the cheapest price I can find, in order to keep access to the very medications that make staying alive possible. It makes getting out of bed without help, and walking down the stairs doable. If I was forced like others to only have my medications filled at one designated pharmacy, I would have to start rationing, if not be completely unable to take some of my medications. There is a massive difference in price amongst all the various pharmacies, because everyone has a pharmacy now. The grocery store, mail order companies, and even Amazon have an online pharmacy now, all setting different prices for the same medications. So many of them are large companies, who leave little to no room for pharmacists to get to know their patients. Yet they make decisions so harsh it will continue to cause unnecessary death. Worse, patients suffer and slowly lose parts of their humanity to humiliation and isolation. People don’t want to hang out with the sick. Some are embarrassed by our illnesses. I’ve personally had my heart broken from that very thing. NO ONE is immune.</p><p>None of this will change until the government stops creating overreaching laws on complex medical matters. Providers, such as pharmacists, need a reeducation in treating the whole person, not just dishing out pills. It’s a power over life that no one person should be able to control solely. Until this changes, we’re going to continue to see memorialized social media pages for those lost by undertreated or untreated ailments, a large number to suicide.</p><p>It’s a painful truth, but should really serve as a wake-up call. I know how I feel when thoughts creep in about feeling alone, wishing for the TV movie family that rallies around you. It’s just not the reality which many live with. Chronic pain patients are simply silenced in the face of an inescapable hell. The constant pain, treatments, side effects, missing parts of life. Having to negotiate medications and keep track of various pharmacies and refill dates, along with the near weekly medical appointments, is exhausting. It’s the life of those who cannot be cured.</p><p>The attempt to regulate health care has led to increased suicides. People have been left feeling as if no one values them, that they are too costly to keep alive. Strangers playing roulette with lives in pharmacies. People are called acceptable losses or collateral damage. No one should be tossed aside, and made to feel unworthy of life itself. We must demand change from our legislators, medical providers, and demand dignity in our pharmacies. No one should draw their last breath, having been made to feel that they’re not worth the money for the medicines needed to keep them alive.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721652023-03-17T20:44:44-04:002024-03-25T14:45:05-04:00The Chronic Pain Treatment That’s Changing My Life
<p>I decided to try LDN, Low Dose Naltrexone, and it’s changing my life<br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/low-dose-naltrexone-chronic-pain-treatment/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=story_published&utm_source=cordial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Published “The Mighty” December 2022</a></p><p>This year has been a hard one. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-pain/reality-of-chronic-pain-care-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The pain had been hard to control</a>. The neurological symptoms that come with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), the “suicide disease,” are vicious in nature. In addition, my skin punch biopsy revealed severe small fiber neuropathy. The nerve damage is extensive. The symptoms had gotten so bad that even when floating in a pool, it was as if shards of glass were being shoved into the bottoms of my feet while they lay trapped in a briar bush up to my ankles. I’ve reached a level of understanding of why amputation has been employed as a “treatment” for CRPS since the civil war.</p><p>I took control by following my personal three-second rule. I give myself exactly that, and then get up and move. Once I am in motion, it gets easier. Once I start the task at hand, it becomes fluid. I made appointments with three of my providers. My primary is who I have tasked to be the gatekeeper of my health. My neurologist specializes in the treatment of rare neurological disorders and diseases. Finally, my anesthesiologist a<a class="no-pjax" href="https://themighty.com/topic/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/ketamine-infusions-saved-my-life-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dministers ketamine infusions</a> and blocks to aid in the treatment of my pain. I told each of them a few months ago that I was “losing ground,” and I feared permanently losing function. It’s a very real and not exaggerated reality that we, the forever sick, face. When you cease to be able to do something, it’s rare to get it back. I wanted to get on top of it before that happened. I wanted to try like heck to stop what appeared to be a progression of the disease.</p><p>At each provider, we reviewed scans, labs, symptoms, and tests such as EMG: “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/emg/about/pac-20393913#:~:text=Electromyography%20(EMG)%20is%20a%20diagnostic,%2Dto%2Dmuscle%20signal%20transmission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electromyography (EMG)</a> is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.”</p><p>I feel I get more from my providers by being straightforward and honest. I look them in the eye when I speak of losing the ability to walk. I need them to “feel” me, not just hear my words. I talk it out with them and listen to their input. Being an active partner in my treatments garners better care, hands down. I had to remain open to the tools the providers want to use to figure out what they can do to tweak my care and buy me more functional moments in life.</p><p>Option one involves piling on, or increasing doses and the number of medications I take. Then the “drug of last resort,” IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin). It takes thousands of healthy blood plasma donors to develop just one dose. One bag of precious antibodies helps people live with more quality. It comes with a rather large tether. It’s a six-hour infusion that for some is weekly, and for others monthly. Once started, it is likely a lifelong treatment.</p><p>With the low participation rates in blood donations across the country, it is a bag of gold to the sick, treating many ailments, such as Kawaski disease in children and Guillain-Barré syndrome. My neurologist, Dr. Farhad (Mass General and Wentworth-Douglas hospital provider) told me it costs upwards of $10,000 per treatment. When you become that costly to treat, insurance companies will do their best to deny access to life-saving treatment. My provider is actually known for fighting back to keep his patients above ground and living their best quality of life. Unfortunately, not all doctors are willing to use resources to appeal and fight the insurance companies for access to care. Before breast cancer, I was a medical provider myself. Now I can’t access the care that I helped give. (Please visit <a class="no-pjax" href="http://redcrossblood.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">redcrossblood.org</a> to schedule an appointment to donate blood today. Help to save a life.)</p><p>When Dr. Farhad brought LDN (low dose naltrexone) up to me, we had reached the point of adding more medications and we were running out of options. My daily doses of some of the things I must take are already high. Ketamine infusions are the only peace that I would achieve for maybe three weeks. Now it was wearing off faster. I was losing ground and scared. Being frightened wasn’t serving me very well. Crying over it wasn’t going to fix it. I was ready for IVIG and I felt awful at the thought. I didn’t want to have an infusion on top of infusions. It wouldn’t have stopped the ketamine infusions but rather in addition too. I wasn’t going to just go along with it. I was going to leave no stone unturned. Then everything changed.</p><p>Doc said I had a 50/50 chance that LDN would work. I never get good odds like that, so my ears perked up. The CRPS/SFN causes my nerves to be inflamed throughout my body. The small fibers in my skin are being destroyed at two levels, epidermis and dermis. I had no small fibers to be found in the epidermis, and the dermis had less than 1%. Yes, it’s pretty bad. Some days, just walking to the bathroom was next to impossible.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://weillcornell.org/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-low-dose-naltrexone#:~:text=Naltrexone%20works%20by%20temporarily%20binding,)%2C%20and%20then%20releases%20them" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naltrexone works</a> by temporarily binding and blocking a mechanism called the MU receptor, which is linked to pain. Blocking the receptor tells our bodies that we aren’t producing enough endorphins (our natural pain relievers), and then releases them.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://dispensariesltd.ca/health-hub/compounding-low-dose-naltrexone-ldn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Low dose naltrexone increases the secretion of naturally occurring endorphins</a> (“feel good, runner’s high”). Endorphins relieve pain, give a happy feeling, and reduce inflammation. LDN increases the release of the opioid growth factor which works powerfully to reduce inflammation, auto-immune responses, and tumor cell growth.</p><p>LDN may help to repair the linings of the gut and brain barriers that prevent absorption of foreign substances, thus healing issues caused by a damaged microbiome. Additionally, LDN <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.womensinternational.com/blog/ms-lupus-ldn-hormone-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may balance stress hormones, and also relieve anxiety and depression</a> by improving brain neurotransmitter function.</p><p>You can not take opioids with it. I’ve been off them for about four or five years, out from under the haze of awful medications. It is not contraindicated with ketamine infusions. I have found it enhances the benefits of cannabis. My view is supported by an <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/or.2022.8287" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oncology article from Spandidos Publications</a>. This particular study looked at the CBD side of cannabinoids taken while also receiving LDN nightly. I’ve noticed an ability to use less cannabis in the presence of daily nighttime doses of LDN. Needing less medication is incredible at this point of illness, and almost unheard of.</p><p>As I write this today, I am hopeful. Perhaps this is the start of a remission. I don’t kid myself and am forever a skeptic, so I do consider myself in the honeymoon stage of this treatment. I’ve noticed just how much calmer and happier I am. There is a stillness in me that hasn’t existed for years. It’s not just the endorphins, but the relief of a large amount of pain and neurological symptoms. The burning and fire ants have been for the most part put out. The glass shards and briar patches are gone. I’m able to rise out of a chair without shooting pains or daggers. My mind is clearer in this stillness, which feels so very new to me. Having been diagnosed with my second cancer in 2013, I can say I haven’t felt this good since then.</p><p>I am now spacing out my ketamine infusions. I write this while celebrating my 11th week since my last infusion, whereas I used to be able to wait no longer than six weeks. Now I am looking at three months. It’s said that the full effect of the medication is not fully known until eight to 12 months of use. I imagine that this could get even better, and I think I can really exhale. (As an added benefit, I have also lost weight.)</p><p>It’s never too late to try something new. Never look at the world as limited. Medical science grows by the day, offering new and wonderful ways to increase the quality of life and longevity. After spending two years locked in a bed, dependent on wheelchairs and oxygen, I am about to close out this piece, put on a bathing suit, and enjoy swimming in a pool. Look at me now being all badass. I am not defined by my diagnosis. I live in spite of it.</p>
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width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71282442022-12-25T00:37:43-05:002023-11-06T22:49:56-05:00Eric Pilcher reviews Bonnie and Clyde.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=52233329&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71282432022-12-25T00:36:29-05:002023-11-06T22:50:18-05:00Molly D'Ago live in studio.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=52170762&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71161862022-12-02T20:54:24-05:002023-11-06T22:50:46-05:00Matt Connarton argues with Dave Ridley about Press NH Now.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=52052248&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71116402022-11-27T23:10:08-05:002023-11-06T22:54:42-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Goodfellas.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=52007326&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71087152022-11-23T00:03:03-05:002023-11-06T22:54:17-05:00Matt Connarton talks with Dank Sinatra.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51976285&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71069792022-11-21T03:12:08-05:002023-11-06T22:53:55-05:00Eric Pilcher reviews Dr. Strangelove.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51947247&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71069782022-11-21T03:08:47-05:002023-11-06T22:53:28-05:00Matt Connarton talks with Kendra L. Saunders.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51948385&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71007312022-11-11T22:48:58-05:002023-11-06T22:53:01-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews The Deer Hunter.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51869199&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/71007302022-11-11T22:47:34-05:002023-11-06T22:52:26-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Day To Attend.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51800978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70911682022-10-28T22:49:58-04:002023-11-06T22:51:57-05:00Matt Connarton talks with Otto Kinzel of Dust Prophet.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51721999&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70911602022-10-28T21:57:04-04:002023-11-06T22:51:34-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51721630&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70827112022-10-17T01:57:30-04:002023-11-06T22:51:08-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51586376&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70770792022-10-07T21:56:56-04:002023-11-06T22:55:26-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Alfred Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51504519&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70686342022-09-26T01:38:15-04:002023-11-06T22:56:36-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews The Breakfast Club.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XyVEZYRkcPA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70686242022-09-26T00:44:14-04:002023-11-06T22:57:19-05:00Billy Painter talks politics with Matt Connarton and John Grosvenor.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tq0n2yvKx4M" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70686222022-09-26T00:36:57-04:002023-11-06T22:58:26-05:00Matt Connarton, Gonzo, and DJ Reklss discuss being recognized in public.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qOVYvHiuphY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70632402022-09-18T23:43:01-04:002023-11-06T22:59:04-05:00Sepsiss announces Swarmiefest.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nQv25g8WD8o" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70632382022-09-18T23:29:50-04:002023-11-06T22:59:55-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Heat.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XHzOL11jY-I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70632372022-09-18T23:27:38-04:002023-11-06T23:00:28-05:00Crazy Joe is irrationally angry at Matt Connarton over something Billy Painter did.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w4NnWFxU8UQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70572252022-09-09T20:53:48-04:002023-11-06T23:01:03-05:00Glenn RJ Ouellette vs. Peter White.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UXaHKdbaop0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70572232022-09-09T20:51:07-04:002023-11-06T23:02:03-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews The Princess Bride.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QG5FX_ONdMw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70522272022-09-02T21:13:25-04:002023-11-06T23:02:39-05:00DJ Reklss reflects on his national tour.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=51053056&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70522152022-09-02T20:58:28-04:002023-11-06T23:13:29-05:00Lost Hate Ashley interview finally found.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1FvjSgFSo0g" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70522142022-09-02T20:56:27-04:002023-11-06T23:12:39-05:00Miriam Banash joins Jon Hopwood on WPYP-TV.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OIJ5TX1ZRpg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70470482022-08-26T20:09:28-04:002023-11-06T23:12:07-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Edgewize.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Xg3XLOj6PU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70421302022-08-19T21:41:26-04:002023-11-06T23:11:37-05:00Introducing Jimmie Willie Ray.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Z0-HcU5lt4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70421282022-08-19T21:39:05-04:002023-11-06T23:11:08-05:00Matt Connarton responds to Crazy Joe.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M_Dw1gozxSQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70369672022-08-12T20:44:52-04:002023-11-06T23:10:47-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Fargo.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w_BuIeWaQ7w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70324692022-08-06T23:26:14-04:002023-11-06T23:09:54-05:00Matt Connarton and Gonzo interview Faith Ann.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="350px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=50806918&theme=light&playlist=show&playlist-continuous=true&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&cover_image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net%2Fimages.spreaker.com%2Foriginal%2F33252ff4d2d16fa43efeaa209c0018f2.jpg&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70319042022-08-05T21:46:56-04:002023-11-06T23:08:59-05:00DJ Reklss calls Matt Connarton from his tour.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uszFRk82MFA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70318832022-08-05T21:44:21-04:002023-11-06T23:08:06-05:00Matt Connarton talks with Amanda McCarthy.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l91jlK8RbYw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70318792022-08-05T21:19:20-04:002023-11-06T23:07:42-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Raging Bull.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5BDHtpV4JSU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70269402022-07-29T21:27:36-04:002023-11-06T23:04:15-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mqmu0CGy5Ig" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70228592022-07-25T01:03:44-04:002023-11-06T23:03:49-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Stand Up Audio.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Br2h7cfEmQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70164342022-07-16T23:48:57-04:002023-11-06T23:03:23-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews On the Waterfront.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fcjOzZxt6AY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70108022022-07-08T21:41:25-04:002023-11-06T23:16:12-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Bull Durham.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ezmQN5ZzuRc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70108012022-07-08T21:39:42-04:002023-11-06T23:15:48-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Chasing The Devil.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ojdbKDEPp0s" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70016982022-06-25T17:56:29-04:002023-11-06T23:17:25-05:00Matt Connarton and Ross Terrio discuss Black Sabbath.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3DGOUHO-lSM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/70012942022-06-24T21:41:35-04:002023-11-06T23:17:48-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Shane Smith.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x31_p6cW18I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69965822022-06-17T21:15:38-04:002023-11-06T23:18:10-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews The Wild Bunch.<p> </p><div class="video-container size_null justify_inline" style="--video-width:320px;"><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LeHJxxqMf0M" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LeHJxxqMf0M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69915322022-06-10T21:09:28-04:002023-11-06T23:18:31-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Eli Howard.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/juUuUbItHAw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69915312022-06-10T21:07:45-04:002023-11-06T23:18:53-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Jurassic Park.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fs_iXwcXAFk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864282022-06-03T20:57:10-04:002023-11-06T23:19:17-05:00Skumpi has a grievance.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hCJBIqp2I_g" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864262022-06-03T20:53:58-04:002023-11-06T23:19:38-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Amanda McCarthy and Tom Shubsda.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YsrnocG8-B8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864242022-06-03T20:51:07-04:002023-11-06T23:19:57-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews The Graduate.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LquI2jrc94E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864192022-06-03T20:30:36-04:002023-11-06T23:30:57-05:00Eric Pilcher reviews Dazed and Confused.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7TfTKsHVvgQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864162022-06-03T20:27:57-04:002023-11-06T23:30:34-05:00Eric Pilcher reviews Paths of Glory.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lWPKMW5E0d4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864152022-06-03T20:24:19-04:002023-11-06T23:29:45-05:00Katie Dobbins returns!<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aQdrak0S_FU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69864142022-06-03T20:20:04-04:002023-11-06T23:29:20-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Top Gun.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vsc1nBv9Fvk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69609362022-04-30T22:33:31-04:002023-11-06T23:28:57-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Big Trouble in Little China.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TtCFhCKRQCA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69551282022-04-22T21:38:01-04:002023-11-06T23:28:30-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews The Manchurian Candidate.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwj9S4PWAcI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69495242022-04-15T20:56:52-04:002023-11-06T23:24:44-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Pulp Fiction.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mcuEnBx_cMw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69375462022-03-31T22:59:52-04:002023-11-06T23:24:16-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Animal House.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DIZcXoenulM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69375442022-03-31T22:51:17-04:002023-11-06T23:23:49-05:00Matt Connarton has been betrayed.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WGD42dplhPs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69202482022-03-11T21:17:43-05:002023-11-06T23:23:05-05:00Eric Pilcher reviews Menace II Society.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L6Uem8LrbhA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69202462022-03-11T21:13:36-05:002023-11-06T23:22:38-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews the original Batman movie.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjmn-HD9cZE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69202452022-03-11T21:08:49-05:002023-11-06T23:22:14-05:00Matt Connarton interviews Molly D'Ago.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qddvvXQkU6s" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/69202422022-03-11T21:05:46-05:002023-11-06T23:21:53-05:00Matt Connarton catches up with K. Daver.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2D38V2gU3cg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68899362022-02-06T02:20:58-05:002023-11-06T23:21:28-05:00Matt Connarton explains origins of Local Outbreak.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F4mxHZ6_pq8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68891562022-02-04T20:15:02-05:002023-11-06T23:26:03-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews In the Heat of the Night.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wHnTWoQICy8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68835062022-01-30T01:35:15-05:002023-11-06T23:27:01-05:00Classic Film Review: The Big Lebowski<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7A-dLbVpgQo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68835052022-01-30T01:31:50-05:002022-01-30T01:31:50-05:00Matt Connarton catches up with DJ Reklss.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EzeUDbUfgTY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68755552022-01-20T23:45:20-05:002023-11-06T23:32:29-05:00Matt Connarton picks his favorite Local Outbreak.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QXKc1Wpn81g" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68632532022-01-09T01:19:07-05:002023-11-06T23:33:21-05:00Erich Pilcher reviews Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ksCBQxEmb8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68524302021-12-27T03:09:16-05:002023-11-08T00:41:29-05:00Crazy Joe breaks up with Matt Connarton.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z6ooysJ0E7Q" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68523602021-12-27T00:25:48-05:002023-11-06T23:35:51-05:00Matt Connarton interviews members of Dank Sinatra.<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="145px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=48030614&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false&cover_image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net%2Fimages.spreaker.com%2Foriginal%2F33252ff4d2d16fa43efeaa209c0018f2.jpg&color=eb144c" width="100%"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68457242021-12-19T01:45:55-05:002023-11-06T23:37:42-05:00Matt Connarton vs. Mike Doyle.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t85IjiJqnVc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68456482021-12-19T01:00:32-05:002023-11-06T23:38:05-05:00Caulk and Balls for Christmas.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YaNkErCgLio" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68456462021-12-19T00:57:48-05:002023-11-06T23:38:26-05:00Classic Film Review: Saturday Night Fever<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0P7Er8dk-U4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68448082021-12-17T21:14:08-05:002023-11-06T23:38:55-05:00Matt Connarton interviews K. Daver.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RKqlP7IDY4I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68448062021-12-17T21:08:32-05:002023-11-06T23:39:25-05:00Classic Film Review: Die Hard<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8nWnL6FKp7Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68176022021-11-22T01:56:48-05:002023-11-06T23:40:25-05:00Matt Connarton and Jon Hopwood discuss Kyle Rittenhouse verdict.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hiCDdwu_jsQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/68159282021-11-19T21:05:56-05:002023-11-06T23:41:11-05:00Crazy Joe finally gets his own segment.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7u5hAJK0inM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67999812021-11-05T20:31:47-04:002023-11-06T23:53:45-05:00"Tracie from Nashua" sends Dick pics and calls 911.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oLQaLKnF1Wk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67869012021-10-26T01:26:06-04:002023-11-06T23:50:02-05:00Matt Connarton will not be bullied.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rxojoZYVhGI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67844322021-10-22T21:41:02-04:002021-10-22T21:42:51-04:00Jon Hopwood and Gonzo interview Ross Terrio.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5dkl1Zdk39A" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67765062021-10-15T00:54:13-04:002023-11-06T23:46:30-05:00Tony Vorhese interview.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PW8jNYd7N40" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67764852021-10-15T00:32:52-04:002023-11-06T23:46:04-05:00Dirk Don reviews Hanzel und Gretyl on Matt Connarton Unleashed.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2zy2Jr0btdo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67652962021-10-04T00:43:10-04:002023-11-06T23:45:38-05:00Dirk Don vs. Stacie Laughton<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ioCCZ3vdA0A" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67355852021-09-03T21:38:14-04:002023-11-06T23:41:41-05:00Crazy Joe needs a lawyer.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R86exLLgIUs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67242672021-08-23T00:15:35-04:002023-11-06T23:44:50-05:00Mike Sudderth fka Grant Lampton discusses the current music industry.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KEtnEbiC2_I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67242662021-08-23T00:12:35-04:002023-11-06T23:47:25-05:00Amanda McCarthy on Local Outbreak.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p70R-8UJDK4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67229192021-08-20T21:05:19-04:002023-11-06T23:48:39-05:00Jon Hopwood and Gonzo interview author Dan Koeppel.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-vBuaF3vyc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/67229022021-08-20T20:48:54-04:002023-11-06T23:49:30-05:00Matt Connarton and Eazy-G interview Amanda McCarthy and Tom Shubsda.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uBTixsJFVok" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/66980642021-07-25T23:28:34-04:002023-11-06T23:52:40-05:00Crazy Joe's new hit single.<p>Crazy Joe's dream has come true! He is finally on ipmNation, as Crazy Joe's Smooth Jazz Experience has been added into rotation on our radio channels. This is literally as famous as Crazy Joe will be ever be. Drink it in, Joe. This is the peak of your career. Savor the moment.<br><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TgwHVZ6GGYA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/66967312021-07-23T20:12:18-04:002023-11-06T23:56:39-05:00Matt Connarton meets Texas Mike's Memere.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JId9oOsd3QU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/66898192021-07-16T09:57:15-04:002023-11-06T23:56:13-05:00Matt Connarton Unleashed LIVE from The Hop Knot.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cjYlE94xdNA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/66818772021-07-08T00:25:20-04:002023-11-06T23:43:26-05:00Virtual Dave Ridley returns to Matt Connarton Unleashed.<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OfUcngHSo9I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721662019-06-15T10:40:19-04:002024-03-25T14:45:07-04:00Father's Day Thoughts 2019
<p><span class="font_large">By Jenny Coffey</span></p>
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/1a57a1ab33b09c6acf51d097193c16ad3457637e/original/image3.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_large">Thirty years ago, I was first published at the age of 17 in the Carver, Massachusetts Town Gazette. I was shocked as I had no idea it would<br>happen. What writing was used has been a special point of pride my entire life. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Having come full circle with a book, awards, positive reviews, and numerous articles and poems published around the globe, all these years later, this is still my proudest moment. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/7a62100c830ca615d953bc441d8f786bc1d496d6/original/image2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_none" alt="" /></span><br><span class="font_large">My Dad is and has always been my hero. He's no perfect father, nor has he ever claimed to be. He is the man who well beyond his years did what most men would have not done in his day. Raise a daughter alone, save her from those who would have hurt her more if he had not been there. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">He loves unconditionally and with his whole heart. He has and always will be my hero and I his little girl. I love you Dad and take great pride in sharing what is the greatest thing I have ever or will ever write. My love for my hero.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/17992d4709de52a39251c25a5de81fef2e4867de/original/image1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721672019-05-27T19:07:32-04:002024-03-25T14:45:07-04:00What do you say when there is no cure?
<p>When faced with a loved one or friend who has a diagnosis that comes with no cure... yet. It’s hard to know what to say and the desire is to be supportive. Sometimes that “support” can do more harm than good. It’s all in perspective and sometimes just by changing a word or two you can in fact make a larger positive impact, and provide the support you intend. </p>
<p>The number one mistake we all, including myself, tend to make is trying to “fix” the problem. People facing horrible realities and attempting to come to acceptance that there is no plan to fix them, there is no cure, and what time they have will become worse with age. We all want to cure and heal, but we can’t. We can’t look at someone in deep struggle and say “keep your chin up” or “your strong, you got this.” In reality those kindly meant words only prove to make one feel guilty for not being able to live up to the healthy person’s expectations. </p>
<p>We want a plan of attack, medications, or treatments that can cure us or stop what is destroying our bodies. The thing is that sometimes the answer is no. There is no answer or plan to be had, and that is shitty. Life can be shitty and it’s better if you help us live with that reality than sugarcoat a false sense of hope. </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, there is always hope for a cure or treatment to lessen the illnesses that plague. So many who hope for future discoveries with an understanding that most will never face a present day illness with no modern cures or treatments available. It’s not a death sentence for some, and for others it is a slow crawl toward that inevitable end that comes for us all. People with illnesses feel those moments more profoundly and at times viscerally, so if we react a bit over the top, understand that it’s coming from a very real state of mind. </p>
<p>It’s okay to say “that stinks” or “I’m sorry.” It’s okay to validate how we feel and sit with us in that moment. Know that your presence and desire to simply hold space for us can make all the difference in how we deal with our illnesses. When you feel the hope of others around you with real recognition of reality, you feel empowered. It creates a bond between you and the sick that wasn't there before. The simple recognition and being an ear is sometimes what it takes to calm the mind and move forward with the day. When life is overwhelming a friend that takes you by the hand without judgment, it can and does make a life and death difference. </p>
<p>How we age with our illnesses depends on who we surround ourselves with, in part. If those around you tend to be the Nasty Nellie, then they will bring you down. That dark space in our minds that those who are ill face daily can be hard to not climb headfirst into. Your emotions are so wrapped around you that you feel as if you could suffocate in your own pain. Pain is blinding; both physical and mental pain can and does take lives. Don’t just hear, but listen. Listen for the moments when hopelessness may be sneaking in. Remember that we will face this over and over again as we progress. It’s not a one time deal, and then go on. We are constantly reminded by our bodies, even when our faces may be putting on a smile; don’t let us fool you. You have nothing to lose. Best case, your loved one knows you care. Worst case, you may be the one to see the warning signs and get help for someone who maybe is thinking about hurting themselves. </p>
<p>We live in a word that tells people that if you can’t afford healthcare, you don’t deserve to have access. Nothing you have done in your life changes that in some people’s minds. They see healthcare as a luxury, like a car or house. I don’t, and having worked in healthcare for 20 years, I can tell you that I have never met a provider who didn’t believe in providing good care without having a clue if the person had insurance or not, money or not; they wouldn’t be left to die or suffer. </p>
<p>Now we live in a world that is telling people just that, that their suffering is their own fault and no matter what brought them to a point of not being able to afford healthcare, there are no excuses. Some go so far as to say it is the natural order of things, but even animals will care for the sick ones in their packs. Lions will walk with the weakest of them, protected from the front and rear by the strongest among them. Yet human beings will walk right by someone in horribly deep pain and suffering, all the while saying, “You should have planned better.” </p>
<p>All the planning in the world will not save you in a catastrophic event, and if you believe it cannot happen to you, you’re kidding yourself. This is the reality that those who are sick live in. Now some are forced to beg for access to medications or treatments, others go without and suffer unable to care for themselves until or unless someone turns them into the state, for them to be put into a home and then be given the care they needed, but having lost everything that gave them their identity in life. </p>
<p>Instead of pointing out what doesn’t work, help them find what does. Maybe a trip for clothing that fits better, and be honest about what looks nice or not; we really do ask your opinion to have a real answer. Telling us what you think we want to hear really doesn’t make us feel better. We love that honesty, and we want to laugh or even argue over our point of view. Good conversation makes us feel alive, it stimulates the mind and helps us have a natural smile. We don’t want to just nod our heads in agreement in your discomfort. Let us lead the way and just ask what you can do, or if we would like a chance to talk. Be honest about what you don’t know and what you wish for. We want to hear your dreams too. </p>
<p>Tell us about your future plans; don’t avoid the subject out of fear of upsetting us or making us feel our own mortality. It’s okay to share and allow us to share in your joys and your sorrows. Avoiding the topic of death doesn’t make it go away, it simply shuts us down to not be able to say and do the things we hope to accomplish. We are not dead now, remember that, and instead of worrying about us being hurt, let us make the choice. Don’t say no because you fear an injury we can not go through; we will get bumps and bruises like you. Our maybe different but living life is still better than looking at it through a looking glass. Too often we will be skipped over because we use adaptive equipment, like a walker or wheelchair. We know to see if what the plan is will be accessible to us. </p>
<p>It’s never our intention to show up somewhere uninvited; it’s okay to invite us to things that you know we most likely will not be able to come to; being thought of or included means a lot more to us than it has before. Now being including is being accepted as we are, with all our failings and difficulties. It lets us know that our life still matters to others and that we can still make positive footprints in this world. </p>
<p>We may be be damaged or broken in some way, but we want so much to be a good friend to you, and to grow old with you. Remember that here and now is what matters. Not money or things, not really. It’s the memories we make, and the pictures we store in our minds that bring us the most joy. </p>
<p>By Jenny Coffey </p>
<p>Former New Hampshire State Legislator and Activist</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721682019-05-01T22:49:36-04:002024-03-25T14:45:07-04:00The Wicked Ulu Set from RT Knives Review
<p><strong>Column: The Elegant Edge<br>By Jenny Coffey<br>Former New Hampshire State Representative </strong></p>
<p><strong>Article: The Wicked Ulu Set from RT Knives Review </strong></p>
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/27a20652e06ec46c87395d870cb94189d1e6d180/original/00100dportrait-00100-burst20190315115927505-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" />Seeing a lot of knife reviews and reading articles written by so many recognized writers can make a writer feel a bit nervous while looking at a maker’s work to start writing about knives. I want to offer a different perspective to reviewing knives, one that isn't from the maker to maker or the expert knife review. </p>
<p>I will offer here, and into the future, a look at various knives and how they appeal to me as a woman, a mother, and former EMT, with a love of cooking and painting, and someone who struggles with pain. My eye now is a little different than it was in my days in emergency medicine. Back then I would appreciate a good knife over a subpar pocket tool, but I did not have the added perspective of what I can now see; things like cutting canvas without shredding it when preparing to create a painting, or how easily a carrot or potato cuts, matter to me now. </p>
<p>What happens when you know how to use tools but, as my Gram would say, “The body beautiful is not complying?” Sometimes I find things I like but can't use. I also now have the perspective of someone with limited abilities. With weakness in my arms and hands, what was once hard can be impossible at times. </p>
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/b0f038bdcc0dc42683e3423448ec9002533c1191/original/00100dportrait-00100-burst20190315115936530-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />I recently took a good look at the RT Custom Knives’ Wicket Ulu, designed by Ross Tyser. The set includes the Ulu blade, teak treated round double sided cutting board, and a hand made leather sheath with a gorgeous imprinted design. The blade is a solid tang with beautiful stainless steel, so food slides easily off of the blade. I like the design and was surprised to find it comfortable in my hand. At first it seemed intimidating for a kitchen knife, but it is a lot lighter than it looks. Still, it has a nice weight to it and takes some of the work out of cutting for you. Tyser has been creating cutlery for almost 30 years now. The grinding is smooth from end to end. </p>
<p>The Wicket Ulu has a nice edge and blade that looks like it would hold up for many years of use. The quality is top shelf. This is the kind of piece that makes for a great wedding gift or perhaps your parents’ anniversary. Anyone who enjoys cooking is going to love this complete set. The finish on the handle is soft and comfortable even in my hand, which is smaller than that of the average bear. The way the blade fits my hand, it feels well balanced, and easily sliced paper into shredded pieces with little effort from me. It is a heaver blade for me, which would normally limit how long I would be able to cut with it because of lymphedema on my dominant cutting side. Even with this, the amount of work I accomplished was a full salad. </p>
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/80170212d5b9502d4f7a9e366a7579ddf00350a0/original/00100dportrait-00100-burst20190315115947223-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />If I had the chance to add something, and this might be a bit outside the box, but it would be a comfort grip that could be added, removed, and easily cleaned would enhance the ease and comfort of use. With a comfort grip, the Wicket Ulu would be even more user friendly to those with disabilities or an elderly person having a hard time gripping, especially if the handle was to get wet. </p>
<p>The Wicket Cutting Board is a beautiful piece of teak treated craftsmanship. I like that you can use it on either side, and one side has edging that will help with cutting your celery while keeping it from falling off, or use the flat side of the board for a little larger cutting surface. The round cutting surface is comfortable and easy to hold onto. I thought I would need a grip pad underneath to assist with using the set and not having the board slide; I was wrong. The board did not slide around at all, even when only using one hand to cut an apple on it. The cutting board design is by John DiSanti, actor and craftsman. The piece is a gift of its own and could even be personalized. I could see the date of a wedding engraved into the wood and a gift that will serve a happy couple for years and generations to come. </p>
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/17c8a3489887dfe25cbd21b5ca228ed2bfb7248f/original/00100dportrait-00100-burst20190315115956704-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" />A small side note: This set is easy to use in a sitting position. Having RSD, a rare form of neuropathic dystrophy, being able to have the help of this knife in the kitchen is freedom. There’s a feeling of satisfaction from helping others that is often lost for many with physical limitations. With this, there is no need to try to put your body into the cut, since the blade slices smoothly with its balanced weight, helping you pass through your veggies or apples for pie. The great thing about this material, AEB-L stainless with a stonewashed finish leaves no staining or rusting issues, and its solid structure makes for easy clean up. </p>
<p> A custom sheath is also available, designed and made by Matt Berkhouse, and it is beautiful! I loved the workmanship right away. It has a snap to hold the blade, but the blade did come out of the sheath without much effort, although perhaps a bit tighter might be a good idea for a blade of this weight and length. </p>
<p>The Wicket Ulu is a ten inch blade with spalted maple handle. It’s a combination that adds to the comfort in your hand. Especially with a seasoned cutting board, this is a out of the box set that could please anyone. </p>
<p>It would make a special gift or perhaps be the blade for your kitchen which you can pass down to the next generation, a useful memento from an enthusiastic collector like this writer. </p>
<p>If you love to cook, or someone in your house does, check out this set designed by Tyser, Berkhouse, and DiSanti at rtcustomknives.com. It will make a great gift to you for your own kitchen.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721692019-04-04T02:17:14-04:002024-03-25T14:45:07-04:00Random Thoughts
<p>By Jenny Coffey</p>
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/2a566ca2b41ed612266dd18ae31b6ebbc6886e77/original/pasted-image-0.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Too many days the mind takes over and it’s the wrong part of the brain that is active. We all have moments, some worse than others. There is so much i have done wrong; there is no way to “fix” or change a thing. I guess I should stay happy knowing I lived and didn’t take anyone out with my attempts at self-sabotage. </p>
<p>I shouldn't say attempt. I should say success. In my wild uncontrolled efforts to get people to “forget me” I made them hate me. The further people were, the better, so they didn’t see all the shame and failures that hid behind what everyone thought was “perfect.” </p>
<p>The high school sweetheart marriage that would never end. At least that is what I thought. I would always say i would never go for a divorce until divorce was the only way life would be saved, and not just my own. I was watching the destruction of my life’s work at home, at work, even things I had spent over a decade building, gone in a blink of an eye. </p>
<p>The dominoes started to fall and with them the ugly truth exposed for all to see. The drunk with a fowl mouth so bad that it would sting and hurt badly, especially when others saw only the front and never the dirty inside. Being called a lier in the face of admission to what I had allowed my life to become and how it affected others. The sounds of cries and screams haunt me still; one nightmare is the night before the mastectomy. G-d was I terrified and still trying to be strong and hide the bad from everyone, one could argue even my conscious self. </p>
<p>My birth mother enabled that by encouraging a drink, because she should be able to have one too, and by helping to hide the abuse. The same person who said I was to blame pretty much for everything that has happened in my lifetime since the day of my birth. Cemented into my head by the age of five by “family members” too many to list, and sadly none could care less. </p>
<p>It’s sick when I stopped and realized recently my suicidal thoughts started when I was around the age of five or six. I have fragmented memories. I have often thought it a gift my brain gave to myself to protect me from the horrors of youth. Swearing to be different I married and lived with the abuses I tried to avoid. I tricked myself into believing I was better at it than anyone. That I was big and bad and could do it all. </p>
<p>Even when the walls started to crumble, when the illusions became apparent to others, when hiding was no longer an option, it broke what little of my mind was left. Lashing out at the world and wishing to disappear from everything, I succeeded. </p>
<p>I made the world hate me and that was the nail in the coffin. My fate sealed, I sit today and examine the trainwreck of a body and life I now have, and can only blame myself in the end. </p>
<p>Doesn’t matter what happened or what was done, I have to own all of it and try to find a way to forgive myself. G-d help me.</p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721702019-03-30T18:43:43-04:002024-03-25T14:45:07-04:00Owning My Truth
<p>By Jenny Coffey</p>
<p>There are times when something hits you in the face, and no matter how much you may not want to, you have to accept that you messed up. Perhaps in words or deeds you made another feel awful in someway. It’s painful to admit mistakes, failures, or just plain meanness. That’s a hard thing to admit and to face, but something I have had to do many times. </p>
<p>Over the course of the last year I have learned a lot about myself, and I’m still having to face negative issues that I created. The reasons for the creations are valid and I don’t dispose of my own emotions or failures to handle life better. I know that we all have failings and sometimes we can handle something with grace, while other times we are the bull in the china shop taking out all the delicate hearts along the way, while blinded by fear, anger, and desire to not accept reality. The wanting to go back, to make changes, is painful and heartbreaking. Tears of guilt stream down my face as I have to come to terms with so many things, both past and present. The knowing of the future is far harder to handle, and to be honest I try not to think about it too much. There is peace to be had in coming to terms with events, and it’s hard doing so without the memories or pictures which go with them. </p>
<p>Speaking of pictures, I have seen some that I am in physically, but have not one spark of memory to associate with the photographs. Feeling my own decline, and seeing my own reflection is hard, but at the same time it gives me a lucky break, one that most don’t get. A chance to make right what was done wrong. You can’t undo your past, or change how you handled an event. However, you can own it, accept it as your own mistake and ask for forgiveness. That’s the easy part really. Harder still is forgiving yourself. Looking in that mirror and accepting that you failed, you hurt someone, or perhaps you made your own life worse in the misguided effort to protect yourself. </p>
<p>At the same time there are the happy moments that are in the past as well. Times when you made a memory that has stuck and has not vanished. I love remembering feeding the ducks with my dad, singing in school, and watching my own son graduate and move forward in life. There are moments when a shared hug with someone special is what holds your memory of them in a good place. Things like sitting in the car eating crazy combinations of food with my grandmom, or speaking from the well of the New Hampshire House with courage and resolve to do the best in representing so many people. </p>
<p>Having cognitive decline is horrible, it’s frightening and feels like weakness that no one ever wants to feel. I know I don’t want to feel it, but I do pretty much every day. I have to accept that my mind is not what it was and that it will not get better. That with time I will forget more, loose more, and hope that it doesn’t change me in a horrible way. I find myself following routines, perhaps in an unconscious effort to create a strong enough memory not to lose it. Even something as simple as the best place for a cappuccino; for me that has been a small family-run restaurant called The Republic that has seen me day after day, month after month, typing away at what I hope will gain publishment and perhaps help another, and maybe inspire change to occur in a positive way that creates a better path for all of us. Simply put, if one person now knows that they are not alone, I have succeed in my efforts to provide some measure of comfort to others. </p>
<p>I find myself thinking of relatives long passed these days. I miss those from my youth who represented love in my life. My Gram Gandin was an amazing woman. I loved to sit at her feet as she rocked in her chair and watch shows with her. Sometimes she would play with my hair and I would lean back into her leg with comfort and know I was loved. Gram wouldn’t so much as hurt a flea, and she was a proud, dignified woman. She carried herself as a lady in a way that reminded me of the royals. She was regal in her ways and always so kind. </p>
<p>When Gram became sick with Alzheimer’s Disease it changed her in ways that were horrible. She became violent, didn’t recognize people, and would be mean. The woman who wouldn’t so much as raise her voice, now would strike out with words and deeds out of character for her. I can only imagine the hell she felt as her mind failed her, and now I find myself having those moments too. I’ve blamed it on medicine, age, or being tired, but there have been times when a face before me doesn’t strike a chord. I’m told I should know them, but I don’t and it feels awful. It leave a sick sensation in the pit of my stomach enough to want to put on the sea-band and start sipping ginger ale to prevent puking. </p>
<p>It’s now happened more than once. The fact is that I have a neuropathic dystrophy; like what MD does to muscles, RSD does to my nervous system. My brain and spinal column are the main affected organ system. I had hoped that I had more time before I would see or feel a decline in my mental capacity, but I should be happy that i have had as long as I have. </p>
<p>People have told me things that I have said or done and I am horrified. I am embarrassed and ashamed of the things I have been told. Worse is that even with being told and given details, there is not one single spark of memory. Not a single moment of recognition, as if the day never existed. It’s terrifying to realize you have lost memories and moments. I cannot explain how horrible that feels, how scary it is to know that your mind is leaving you, the fear of what you could lose next. Could I lose memories that bring me joy, things that cannot be measured in fiscal value? </p>
<p>The truth is that no one can really know or tell me how bad it may or may not get. Perhaps I am a lucky one with only fragmentation and some higher function matters that are difficult to handle. Can it get so bad that people I hold near and dear to me become distant? In some ways it encourages me to write more, do more, or as much as my body will allow me to. There are moments though that I must admit to feeling depressed and overwhelmed with sad feelings and guilt. </p>
<p>I acquired RSD/CRPS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) in part because of genetics, and the rest due to breast cancer. It was my second time being diagnosed with cancer and this time was so much harder. I was hiding so much at the time that I barely functioned. Being angry and distant kept others away from the truth and the shame that came with other people knowing thst home was not a safe place to be. I see others, some I formed relationships with, in support groups who are taken from this world too soon by the cancer that invaded their bodies. Those are the times that survivor’s guilt can hit hard. </p>
<p>Despite all that medicine can do, their lives have not been saved. They have families who love them too. It’s not that I or others like me are being self-loathing or wishing a bad thought on ourselves. It’s a form of guilt we have for living, for surviving longer than others. We feel guilty about every aspect of our lives that we want for others, that we wish with our whole hearts we could make possible. Are there thoughts of wishing to trade places with another? I’d be lying if I said the easy answer of “no,” but the truth is that there are moments. There are times when we feel another deserved to live longer than they did, that we had more than another and could be okay with giving some time to another soul. </p>
<p>It’s not dark, it’s honest. It’s not horrible or frightening, it’s truth. We have to live in our truth, we can’t afford to sugarcoat things or events that just plan stink. Things that make you want to fall to your knees and cry out in agony “not another one,” that pain makes my chest feel even tighter and breath a bit harder to draw. Moments of raw emotion that no one who has not lived it can explain to another. There was a time as a healthcare provider, when I thought that I “got it,” and even when my stepmom went through breast cancer, I thought I “got it” and that I had given the best support. Boy, did I not know shit. </p>
<p>I told my mom I was sorry, that I didn’t get it and wish I had handled things better; she in her neverending kindness loves me just the same, and never held a thing against me to begin with. It is me, it is my own guilt and shame that eats at my heart for not doing or saying the right thing at the right time. For failing to stand strong under pressure and instead crumbling to the ground in a heap of pain and darkness. </p>
<p>It takes a lot of hard work to change perspectives and work to bring joy back in those moments. In times of seeing no end in sight, there has to be hope. It’s hard at times to have that hope, having a disease first discovered in Civil War times, and still yet to have treatment options that do little more than just ease the symptoms, not cure the disease. </p>
<p>Knowing I am not alone in these thoughts both good and bad, that in this disease there are young and old, male and female, none who did a thing to deserve getting it, and all struggling to survive and have quality in life, not just a ticking time clock. Remember the simple things and allow pleasure in those things. Take ownership of all good and bad. Those are the biggest takeaways I have gained, and in them a comfort that I am being the best possible me I can be, and that is good enough.<img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54912/3cb34240039d621431d438e8baafb05c62cfb61c/original/50822286-589123171527033-46633616733634560-n.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
ipmNation.comtag:www.ipmnation.com,2005:Post/73721712019-03-23T00:55:59-04:002024-03-25T14:45:07-04:00The conversation in my head
<p>I’ve had my cry <br>I WANT TO SCREAM <br>I carry myself as a lady <br>WHY WHY WHY, AGAIN <br>I hide the pain oh so well <br>FOR WHAT TO PLEASE THE FUCKING WORLD <br>I smile and greet the day in silence <br>MY INSIDES ARE BURNING ME APART! <br>Thank you for your kindness <br>FUCK YOU, YOUR SORRIES I’M NOT FUCKING DEAD YET! <br>Put on the pink face. <br>Put on the fake smile. <br>Just remember to keep “putting” it on you can last awhile.</p>
<p>~JC -18</p>
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