Louise asked me to post this here

[Elfcat]

I have known Russell and Louise for many years. In fact, Fatworks II, which he mentioned she organized, was my first contact with the fat-positive community. I know many of Louise's accomplishments as well. For one thing, she loaned me her copy of Shadow on a Tightrope. For another, I have seen the girl she adopted and raised herself go from a feisty little baby into a feisty fat young woman.

So I think it might be understood if she finds herself, having moved to the other side of the country to marry Russell, might feel a little burned out and reluctant to feel compelled to keep up with the torrent of conversation I myself sometimes find difficult to keep up with. Maybe she feels she doesn't need to cover that task because Russell already is. I know I am on here a lot more than Kat is. She frequents other sites more often and so mostly leaves Dims to me.

Russell, have you tried reasoning with them that this hip replacement would likely in the long run aid Louise's mobility enough to be a benefit to her health in general?

[Elfcat]

Sorry for some grammatical errors. Trying to tap out something before heading to bed. Don't want to keep my own honey waiting too long.

[CurvyEm]

I think some people just find it rude that she is happy to use dimensions as a research tool dispite saying 'I don't do dimensions'. Its all take and no give. If she is such a wonderful woman then she could help others achieve what she has rather than just taking from us.

[frankman]

I don't really understand the whole ventrilloquy act, but is it really weird if I think that she should find a doctor who'll do it right for an achievable weight, lose the rest until he can perform the needed surgery? It might be tough and hard, but it is surgery after all.

[Jes]

Originally Posted by Russell Williams

She has a bunch of trophies and other awards from Toastmasters.

Ah, but has she ever set the garage on fire with her breasts, like Peggy Williams?

* * *

Please tell that story, Russell. It'll be like story hour at the library and I could use it today!

[Dromond]

I'm confused by the reactions to this thread.

[frankman]

Originally Posted by Dromond

I'm confused by the reactions to this thread.

Good confused, like after watching Mulholland Drive, or bad confused, like after a concussion?

[LovelyLiz]

While I understand how it would be great for Louise to use her own voice and all that, I think it's kind of you, Russell, to help your wife out if she doesn't feel like using that voice to post in an online internet forum. It's not for everyone. But I can't blame her for wanting to also take advantage of the wealth of experience here, if only by proxy, to gain information on a pressing issue in her life.

I'm sorry I don't have information on the topic, but I hope Louise is able to get the medical help she needs in order to thrive.

[swordchick]

I met Louise and Russell at the Dimensions Bash last year. They are really nice people. Louise is very vocal. Louise might have a reason why she does not want to participate in the Forums. And that is okay. Russell is a sweetheart and he loves his wife so much.

To Russell: I do not have anything to say when it comes to hip replacement surgery and weight issues. But I hope Louise gets better soon. I wish the best for the both of you.

[ssflbelle]

Swordchick I agree with you. I meet Russell for the first time at the Fort Lauderdale NAAFA convention and again last year at the Dimension Bash here in Florida. I saw the love he has for Louise not only in the way he looked at Louise but helped her in so many ways during the convention. I don't find it creepy at all that he posts on Dimensions, however some of his topic are kind of all the wall. However, I also agree Louise should ask her own questions and offer her years of knowledge to the board.

As far as the hip replacement surgery, Russell I have been in the same situation since 1994 and the reasons that Dromond and cinnamitch gave are the exact replies I received from the many Doctors I went to for help. Not a one of them would touch me and told me to come back when I weighed 250. I have lost only 120 pounds and have another 120 pounds to go. With limited ability to exercise and a screwed up metabolism because of being on diets since I was 12 years old and being denied any medical weight loss help from my insurance company, I wonder if my hip replacement will ever happen or am I wheelchair bound till death. So until that day happens I continue to take my meds and thank the Lord that I have survived one more day to see the sun shine and be with the people I love despite the extreme pain I endure.

[BeaBea]

Originally Posted by Dromond

I'm confused by the reactions to this thread.

There is NO animosity towards Louise here and I'm sorry if any of my gentle teasing made it came across as such. If anything, its just me wondering why Louise wont come out to play with us! She sounds amazing and the world needs all the forward thinking, take-no-nonsense, bright, intelligent, committed women we can get so if I'm sulking its only because I feel that I'm missing out on her company and definitely not that I think she is missing out on mine!

Tracey xx

[Jes]

I don't care in the least whether or not Louise posts. blah blah boring.

BUT: I am begging, yes BEGGING, for Russell to tell, or re-tell, the Peggy Williams' Breasts Burned Down the Garage story.

Russell, you have alluded to it at least once already, and you may even have told it here before, but please, share it. I just know I'll love it. Make a lady happy today!

[moore2me]

Russell & Louise,

I distinctly remember that Ira Joe Fisher had hip replacement surgery before he had any of his weight loss. He has since lost weight,but afterwards. (Then the creeps at the CBS think tank fired him for a younger guy.)

[Russell Williams]

Originally Posted by BeaBea

Its great that Louise sees Dimensions as a useful research tool. It's just a shame for the rest of us that she doesn't feel like making her own contributions and giving something back to the Community in exchange.

Tracey

Louise and I are signed up for the following. We invite everyone else who have questions about our relationship to come and ask Louise in person.

RADISSON HOTEL - NASHVILLE AIRPORT
1112 AIRPORT CENTER DR
NASHVILLE, TN 37214
http://www.radisson.com/nashvilletn_airport
Hotel Check in................3:00 PM
Hotel Check out..............12:00 PM
Hotel Reservations 615-889-9090
Mention "Supersize Bash of Nashville" for $99+TAX Single/Double Room Rate,
Breakfast Buffet is included in rate per guest, per night.
Hotel discount expires August 27, 2010.
Hotel Guests: Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access

[Russell Williams]

Originally Posted by BeaBea

There is NO animosity towards Louise here and I'm sorry if any of my gentle teasing made it came across as such. If anything, its just me wondering why Louise wont come out to play with us! She sounds amazing and the world needs all the forward thinking, take-no-nonsense, bright, intelligent, committed women we can get so if I'm sulking its only because I feel that I'm missing out on her company and definitely not that I think she is missing out on mine!

Tracey xx

I suspect that if you are able to come to Nashville both of you will so much enjoy each other's company that I will be unable to get a word in edgewise, with a 12 pound sledgehammer.

RADISSON HOTEL - NASHVILLE AIRPORT
1112 AIRPORT CENTER DR
NASHVILLE, TN 37214
http://www.radisson.com/nashvilletn_airport
Hotel Check in................3:00 PM
Hotel Check out..............12:00 PM
Hotel Reservations 615-889-9090
Mention "Supersize Bash of Nashville" for $99+TAX Single/Double Room Rate,
Breakfast Buffet is included in rate per guest, per night.
Hotel discount expires August 27, 2010.
Hotel Guests: Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access

[Russell Williams]

Originally Posted by CastingPearls

I don't know if it's creepy but it's sad. Like she can't be bothered or he doesn't have the guts to voice his own thoughts apart from hers.

However, armchair analysis (including this post) is by definition judgmental and self-indulgent.

Louise and I already have our reservations and our hotel room.

[CurvyEm]

You realise, of course, that BeaBea lives in the UK?

You can't really just avoid all questions because you're going to be in a hotel somewhere in the world. Maybe that is how people will reply to your posts from now on.

[Jes]

Honey, I can't go all the way to Nashville to ask about Peggy Williams' breasts and the garage. C'mon now. I wouldn't be asking if you hadn't tantalizingly alluded to it once, in a post, for some completely non-understandable reason, frankly. But that's not the point; the point is I'm dying to know. It's not unfair to ask you to finish what you started, and I'm asking very nicely.

[Russell Williams]

Originally Posted by crayola box

Russell, I am convinced you are purposely being obtuse. However, since Louise, and this topic, are important to you, consider this: if you think people don't like you and thus are not interested in helping you, wouldn't it behoove Louise to participate herself so as to receive more positive responses?

Everyone says she is articulate, smart, and active in the FA movement, so you can see how her needing a mouthpiece is perplexing?

That being said you have gotten what appear to be some helpful and thoughtful responses in this thread, but have you also searched the health board? It may have some info, good luck!

I've been asking questions in many different places. It concerns me that, while apparently tens of thousands of hip replacements have been done in the last 10 years there seem to be very few people who weigh over 300 pounds and have received hip replacements.

Louise is in moderate to severe pain most of the time. This pain seriously interferes with her enjoyment of life. Two different doctors have already suggested that she should go on to narcotics and Louise does not wish to do this out of fear of becoming addicted. She and I both believe that if you are in a great deal of pain and there is a substance that significantly reduces the pain your desire to keep taking it may be very strong.

I collect the basic information in part because I can comfortably sit at the computer for long periods and not be in pain. Once I have tried to cast my research net over a wide area then Louise can pursue the Nuggets should I find any.

I am trying to be careful not to force Louise into any course of action. Although for the last 30 years or so she has taken a strong stand against dieting she now has started a diet. This is a vibrant woman who knows how to enjoy life and to enrich and bring joy to the lives of those around her and now, because of this hip, must use a walker even to go three or 4 feet and for more than 20 feet must use a scooter of some sort. Louise loves to dance now the only place we can dance is in at least 4 feet of water. She is always in pain and movement increases the pain. There are nights when she cannot get into bed without my help. It bothers her that I can not be away overnight because if I am away she may be unable to get in to bed and that might be one of those mornings in which he cannot get out of bed without my help. She must always sleep on her back because although she is in pain when she sleeps on her back the pain would be far worse should you try to turn to either side.

The belief and hope is, since there is only the one hip where the problem is, that once the hip is replaced the situation will radically change. But the most competent surgeons we have currently found have said that she must be under 300 pounds before they will do the surgery.

However at a loss of 2 pounds a week she must endure what she is enduring or worse for the next year. At a loss of 4 pounds a week she must endure what she is enduring or worse for the next six months. These are not happy thoughts.

We are looking for other surgeons. So far we only have about three accounts of people who weigh over 350 pounds and have had the surgery. One of them is in Phoenix which is a long way from Hagerstown, but if it should save Louise a year of pain it is worth it.

Yours truly,

Russell Williams


However while there are difficulties I still try to find time to amuse myself and Louise. At the arthritic swim class we attend they have a 15 minute break at the end of the session. During that time Louise and I dance, sometimes we waltz, sometimes we jitterbug, and sometimes we freestyle. The other day I went up to the instructor:

Russell: this is the official break is that correct?
Instructor: yes
Russell: and Louise and I are dancing during the break?
Instructor: yes
Russell: so you can truthfully tell people that , at the arthritic swim class there were people who were breakdancing.

Instructor: (somewhat sadly) yes

[Russell Williams]

Originally Posted by CurvyEm

You realise, of course, that BeaBea lives in the UK?

You can't really just avoid all questions because you're going to be in a hotel somewhere in the world. Maybe that is how people will reply to your posts from now on.

I did not realize until now and unfortunately my memory in two weeks I will probably forget it. Sorry about that.

[BeaBea]

Originally Posted by Russell Williams

Louise and I are signed up for the following. We invite everyone else who have questions about our relationship to come and ask Louise in person.

I wish I could! To attend the bash, to meet Louise and for many other reasons too - but the pressure of work and other factors make a transatlantic trip highly unlikely this year. To clarify though Russell, I dont and never have had any questions about your relationship!

Tracey

[Russell Williams]

Originally Posted by CurvyEm

You realise, of course, that BeaBea lives in the UK?

You can't really just avoid all questions because you're going to be in a hotel somewhere in the world. Maybe that is how people will reply to your posts from now on.

That is a rather strange statement to say that I avoid all questions. You need to refine the statement but, as I said, as it stands as as a rather strange statement and that will prove you wrong.

Here is a question I dealt with and ended falls under your category of all questions.

I was working on the answer to the question whether not the death penalty is effective.

Who would you would you kill? It has been argued that the death penalty prevents people from killing each other and, to some extent, perhaps it does. However, there has to be more to the story of why people do not kill each other.

Suppose you found out that you had a terminal illness such as metastasized pancreatic cancer. You were told that your life expectancy was 3 to 6 months. Who would you kill? What names are on your bucket list? That is to say what names are on the list of people you would kill before you kick the bucket. Remember, for you there is no death penalty. If you go out and shoot several of the people on your list and then quietly surrender to the police you will be dead long before your case comes to trial and, should by some miracle, you live until the trial you will be dead long, long before all appeals of your death penalty are exhausted.

So, if the death penalty prevents murder and, because of your cancer, there is no death penalty for you, who would you kill? Your boss, that annoying neighbor who lets his dog poop in your front yard, your daughter’s obnoxious boyfriend, the mechanic who, six times in a row, failed to fix your car, an extremely annoying TV talking head? There is a long list of possibilities and for you, there will be no punishment. Whether you kill or not you'll be dead within six months. So, who would you kill?

Now you should be happy because you know that I have not refused to answer all questions although I still wonder why my thoughts and actions are so much overwhelming interest to you

[Dibaby35]

Originally Posted by Dromond

I'm confused by the reactions to this thread.

Me too. But I've been around long enough to know when there's a problem child on these boards and this reeks of it. Hopefully if his wife really does need help I hope she get's it. Until the conclusion comes, I'm going to grab my popcorn.

[Jes]

Originally Posted by Russell Williams

Now you should be happy because you know that I have not refused to answer all questions although I still wonder why my thoughts and actions are so much overwhelming interest to you

Peggy Williams. Breasts. Fire. Garage.

Please, Russell. Please. I'm not trying to bait you. I won't mock you or your story. But I won't deny my continued interest!

[frankman]

Originally Posted by Russell Williams

That is a rather strange statement to say that I avoid all questions. You need to refine the statement but, as I said, as it stands as as a rather strange statement and that will prove you wrong.

Here is a question I dealt with and ended falls under your category of all questions.

I was working on the answer to the question whether not the death penalty is effective.

Who would you would you kill? It has been argued that the death penalty prevents people from killing each other and, to some extent, perhaps it does. However, there has to be more to the story of why people do not kill each other.

Suppose you found out that you had a terminal illness such as metastasized pancreatic cancer. You were told that your life expectancy was 3 to 6 months. Who would you kill? What names are on your bucket list? That is to say what names are on the list of people you would kill before you kick the bucket. Remember, for you there is no death penalty. If you go out and shoot several of the people on your list and then quietly surrender to the police you will be dead long before your case comes to trial and, should by some miracle, you live until the trial you will be dead long, long before all appeals of your death penalty are exhausted.

So, if the death penalty prevents murder and, because of your cancer, there is no death penalty for you, who would you kill? Your boss, that annoying neighbor who lets his dog poop in your front yard, your daughter’s obnoxious boyfriend, the mechanic who, six times in a row, failed to fix your car, an extremely annoying TV talking head? There is a long list of possibilities and for you, there will be no punishment. Whether you kill or not you'll be dead within six months. So, who would you kill?

Now you should be happy because you know that I have not refused to answer all questions although I still wonder why my thoughts and actions are so much overwhelming interest to you

WTF? Death penalty? It's a hip surgery, man. Cross each bridge when and if you get there, eh?