What's new
TerraForums Venus Flytrap, Nepenthes, Drosera and more talk

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

I feel sort of like old Gandalf after he returned from his todo with the Balrog! I've been very sick for a year with a dermatitis (still unknown cause) and have been without a computer since last September. It's been a hard road, and although I am improving, there is a long stretch ahead yet. After spending thousands of dollars, I still don't know what's wrong, just that there is a breakdown in my immune system that is blistering my skin from head to foot. The burning and itching is non-stop, and I am eating pills like M&M's. As a result of the illness (and med side effects) and after last summers extreme drought here, most of my collection has been lost. I simply couldn't maintain my extensive collection. I doubt that I will be able to afford to grow as I once did siince energy costs are high and funds are low, but am pleased to see the fruits of my generosity still circulating amongst you all from better days. I miss the plants, but even more I miss this forum and my friends! I still have some CP under a few lights. and I plan on growing "in rotation" raising particular species for awhile and passing them on and then starting some new material. I do hope to regain the Utricularia I have shared with friends, but I have little to trade right now - I sure miss those spring flowers! I did recently obtain some seed of Drosera uniflora and will sow the seed after a long stratification over this summer. The seed is from Pantagonia and is probably the hardest seed I have ever sourced out. I am greatly looking forward to the event, although my days of study with this genus are over. My illness leaves me in a weak state and I have little stamina after a year of this. Dr's say it is because I am losing my "heat" through the rash. I have been diagnosed with both Celiac disease, which is caused by an intolerance to Gluten, so no wheat, rye, barley or oats (this includes beer and ale....owwwww!) and life is no fun when you have to prepare all your meals from natural unprocessed foodstuffs: no fast food, no eating out, no cookies, cakes, pasta or pizza. I am on a couple of antidepressants, but they don't help much and I am dreadfully weary of pills. A cure is not possible I am told, expecially since no one knows what is causing this. Currently the specialists are treating this as atopic dermatitis, and not the Dermatitis Herpitiformis that is a hallmark of Celiac Disease. I believe the Celiac dx is correct, since the last time I was feeling better I ate some pizza with a beer or three, and over a week later am still suffering for it.

Many friends have written with their concerns and wants, and I appreciate the emails although without a computer I was unable to respond. Thank you all for writing, and be assured that although I may wish I were dead I will apparently be continuing for some time, and hope to continue to interact with you all and to share what plants I can as long as my energy permits it. Right now, the Sarracenia are doing well, all divided and transplanted, although I lost some over the winter along with many of the VFT's.

I want to take a moment to thank Suzanne (Plantakiss) for talking to me nearly EVERY day and who is mainly responsible for me not jumping off a bridge into the Oswego river which at times was powerfully attractive! Her support was critical to my continuity! Until recently I was unable to sleep more than nap length periods since the itch cut right into my sleep period leaving me a wreck, and no one should have to endure what I am going through.

My computer is now up and running, at least for a spell, so drop me a line at tamlindd@yahoo.com and I will respond. Now I am off to see what has been said and done since last September here at TF.

Well, thanks for the shoulder and y'all have a slice of pizza and a beer for me.

Blessings to you all,
William "Tamlin" Dawnstar
 
It is great to see you back and better (a little). Although we have never had a discourse, I have learned much from your posts as I have fed my addiction and continued to work with ever more species (does it ever stop?). You have a wealth of knowledge from which everyone benefits. I am sure I will try to pick your brain as you get back into the fray.
[EDIT: it seems that in the time it took me to write this post you HAVE gotten yourself FULLY into the swing of things working your way down each post in the dews section! LOL!
It really is GREAT to see you back!]
If I can help you in any way, please drop me a line.
I  hope everyone continues to send their positive energy your way!
smile.gif

Steve
 
Ahh, the Gandalf reference is quite fitting Bro, and like the reference, I am quite glad to "see" you back!

I'm sure I sent a few PMs and maybe an e-mail during your absence, but they were more salutations, so I am sure nothing important was lost.
I will eat some pizza and drink some beers for you, we are actually going to see the german metal band Gamma Ray today, so your return has made an already guaranteed AWESOME day somehow even MORE awesome!!

I'll keep it short- Keep Fighting that crummy mega-inconvenience- (have you tried unopened Nep juice?? I know it would only treat symptoms but ya never know, could be something to try out) and I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to your experience and knowledge being presented here on TF once again! Thanks for returning man!
 
Welcome back ! Sorry to hear about the pizza and beer, I'll definately have some of each for you. As far as plant collections go, they will all fade eventually. Your knowledge is what we all here appreciate. I think there's about a billion questions (more or less) since last Sept. so you'll have plenty to look at for while ! Now I gotta go look up Drosera uniflora in Bob Z's photofinder. Later !!
smile.gif
 
Steve,

Thanks for the kind words, and pleased to meet you. I am at your service, lol!

Carl - missed you bro! Glad to see you are doing well with your plants. I haven't been to a concert in ages, but my picking friend is promoting an event for September and my job will be to jam with all the musicians he has hired....tough job! I wil have an ale on my Birthday even if it kills me, lol! Enjoy the show, and thanks for the warm welcome back!
 
So happy to see you around bro! I've kept up with what's giong on with you through PAK although I havn't had the time to call you myself. My life is growing more and more busy as my collection grows, my family grows, and the days stay the same length. Allow me to promise you though, I have not forgotten you or your teachings for one miniute! Although I have not been able to put NEARLY the amount of time into the guitar I would like to.... I have not given up and still take it out and play around from time to time. Welcome home! You have lots of reading to do. And I'm sure lots of typing to do! But don't over do it... Take this forum in small meals... So you don't get gas.
smile_n_32.gif

To all you that didn't know what I was talking about..... THIS IS TAMLIN!!! hehe
Your friend,
Andrew

OH! And make sure you post in the trading forum what plants you are in search for. I'm SURE you'll have no problem aquiring them as all these wonderfull stewarts have been taking great care of them in your absence!
 
Hey Tamlin!! WOO HOO! Great to have you back. I just happened to get some seeds of D. 'Tamlin.' from our buddy Andrew. So you've been remembered fondly in your absense.

Man, I hope you find out how do deal with the dermatitis. That really stinks. some people put all their faith in Doctors, some all their faith in wholistic medicine - I'm a firm beleiver in doing BOTH. I take vitamines (liquid supplements - I'm not too fond of pills, either, and the body doesn't digest most vitamin/mineral pills, anyway) & excersize to boost my health, AND I do what the doctor orders.
 
Geez it's a wonder anyone remembers me! As for requesting plants in the trade forum Andrew, you know the rules. Got to have something to trade, no beggin. I can't even offer U. subulata, lol!

Hi Shloaty - yeah the faith is missing in both pills and Dr.'s I fear. The ointment I use 6 x day (fun) does help, and the prednisone as well. Most everything else does nothing. What I want to know is why the hay with all the medical miracles there are no one can give me something that will turn off the itching! I am now looking for some Chinese healer who might take a different approach.

Congrats on getting the seed of D. 'Tamlin', it is pretty rare since I lost my plants before being able to distribute much of it. I hope it does well for you and keep me updated!
 
Well, at least make a list... And distribute it to those who request it. like me.
smile_m_32.gif
 
  • #10
OH!!! Better Idea!! Go to the growlist forum, and create your growlist/wishlist! That's how you can get your wishlist out there! I know, there are people that will (and want to) get you rolling, you after all.... got many people rolling the past.
 
  • #11
Welcome back fellow Brother of the Bladder, long time no see. i still have that U. pauliniae that i begged off you a few years back. havent had it bloom yet but its pot is full of lolons. also have others if your interested though my collection is also down to a fraction of what it was.

also those freaking garnets i promiced you have seemed to have grown feet and walked off but should be located while we are moving to a new house over the next few weeks.

good to have yah back "home"
 
  • #12
Well GLORY BE!  I nearly fainted when I saw your name on a topic!  Its about time.  
smile.gif
 Glad to see you finally made your way back "home."  All of us have missed both your humor and your advice.

Thank you for the kind words.  You know I'm not gonna let anybody jump off some bridge...or jump into a volcano.  Not allowed!  Your road has been hard but if you BEHAVE and don't indulge in pizza and beer, you should at least feel better.  I know its been tiring and depressing, but there are still many good things to life so you gotta hang in there.

Now...get to work in the 'dew forum.  
biggrin.gif


Welcome back!!
 
  • #13
Well, I'm new here, but I'd like to say welcome back, and pass on a tip. My fiancee is also celiac, and has had to deal with it for a few years now. She found a lot of help on various livejournal communities, both about the disease and for good recipes. So I'd suggest poking around LJ and seeing what you find; you'll probably find some recipes that are gluten-free and good.

Mokele
 
  • #14
Welcome back Tamlin!

I have learned much form your answering questions in the forums, glad you are able to get back online agin.

I hope that someone can find a releif to your dermatitis.
 
  • #15
In the words of the Who, "Welcome back my friend, to the show that never ends...."
 
  • #16
Whooo hooo I havent met gandolf but ive heard about him and he sounds like hes quite the CP enthus/collector/genuise!!

Great to have you back! Sorry to hear about youre troubles, hope you get well soon, I know ill be praying for you hopefully others are to!

Cheers
 
  • #17
HELLO ALL! Im back too!

Longtime no see. wh. i have been busy in scholl and work so i havnt been able to ghet on lately. nice to be back!.



.......

......

About the kentucky coffetree seeds... sorry all.... i had completely forgot....


....

However,
i still have your adresses and to make it up to you, for whoever it was that wanted the seeds( i have to check) i can send free of charge 1 kentucky coffetree seedling. I understand if your mad. it was a pomise of mine that i had forgotten. neverthe less i shall fufill it by sending 1 seedling each to Rail, Dallas, TX and to Joe Granville, Olympia, WA. Im very sorry about that
 
  • #18
seems i need a new avitar as well
 
  • #19
Welcome back! Both of you, actually! Tamlin, I think the suggestion made above would definitly be one worth looking in to; now that you've got a working computer, you can find some recipes for some good eatin's!

It's very good to see you back, even though you probably don't remember me.
laugh.gif
I look forward to seeing you in the forums!
 
  • #20
Tamlin, It’s great to have you back.  I thought you might have left the forum because of your interest in rocks.  I’m sorry it was due to illness.  Well, I’m glad you’re getting better, and hopefully it will be continuous improvement from now.  I’m sure all of the forum members will become more knowledgeable through your future postings.  I wish I had some Drosera plants I could sent you, but all I have are a few common ones.  But if you’d like capensis, adelae, or binata multifida extrema, please let me know.  Finch, I hope you weren't out due to illness, and it's also good to have you back.
 
Back
Top