Craig,
Perhaps you could circulate the following information on our old friend Brian.
Dear NOBS,
Please excuse me for sending out this rather sad information update. I realize some may not care or even know Brian and few are as attached as I am to him, but after 35 years that is to be expected. No, this is not a eulogy, but many NOBS ask after Brian's health and currently it is anything but good news.
Over many years we have all known the Brain Scherer of yesterday and enjoyed his rather boisterous company on many, many occasions. Over the last far too many years we have watched his penchant for the evil beverage take complete control of his life. There but for the grace of god many of us could so easily follow.
Last evening Diane and I visited Brian in the Hamilton General, Intensive Care Unit. To say the least it was heart breaking to look down on what was once a viral, upbeat and smart man now a wizen shell of the former self. Yes, he brings it all upon himself, but that is what alcoholism does if it isn't checked early. It is a terrible disease and results in many rotten issues beginning with loss of good judgment. In Brian's case as so many other alcoholics, loss of his wife of many, many years who he respects and loves dearly. So also, some of his family and many of his friends, loss of his driving license, his home and perhaps above all his self respect. The latter eventually leading to a total breakdown in his health.
Brian has Alcoholic Hepatitis, an ulcerated stomach, damaged pancreas, restricted heart condition, damaged feet from frost bite, to name a few serious issues. The doctors are having a tough time stabilizing his blood pressure and oxygen count and he is currently forced to remain prone to maintain reasonable stability. It is bad enough for the staff to ask him if he wants them to try to save him or let him go. He isn't sure.
Brian has been struggling to stop drinking, but does not have the willpower to see it through and he has not been able to eat for some time. He stopped drinking (again!) about 10 days ago and had also checked in to a Detox centre. Due to a severe drop in blood pressure while in Detox, he was sent to his cardiologist and from there to emergency last Wednesday. He is hoping to recover and go into a rehab facility, but of course we have heard that before. Time will tell.
He needs a bit of cheering up and I will get a "Get well" card for the NOBS to sign over the next few days. Hopefully it may help to spur him on to sorting himself out. If indeed it isn't already too late.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I needed to share it with a few others.
Dave
P.S. He sends his regrets, he will not be joining the Fish and Chip meeting this Friday
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