Moving Forward

* I run a private FTD Patient Support Group on Facebook. It is open to those with a firm FTD diagnosis. The support group is a place where those with FTD can gather in a positive environment and realize there not alone. It's also a source of accurate information which is rare in the quick changing world of FTD. Please email me at howardglickftd@gmail.com to join.

The FTD Patient Support Group has given immeasurable support to many. Through the group many have been able to find and receive better medical support,  friendship and a comfort of knowing there not alone with FTD. Many have met group members at get togethers outside the group.

*First a follow up to my Homeland Security/New York State DMV issue. Brief refresher: Tried to swap my NYS drivers license for an Arizona drivers license. I was deemed "Not Eligible" for another license. Thought I was being KO'ed for having FTD. Instead it turned out I was tagged and investigated by Homeland Security because I was moving to a new state and requesting a new drivers license. They found an uninsured vehicle accident in 1978 while I was in college. 35 years later Homeland Security gave the information to NY DMV who extorted $300 in a certified check or no Arizona drivers license. To me $300 is a lot of money. Yesterday, I received the return receipt that they received the check. There was also an envelope from City of New York, Human Resources. Great, now what? Yin Yang, Karma whatever. A check from NYC for $1092.23 to me for overcharging me on Medicaid years ago.  There is a God.

This story may not be totally over. I was told it would take 6-8 weeks for me to be cleared off the Homeland Security/NYS DMV "Not Eligible" list and be approved to receive an Arizona license. Arizona law requires you get an Arizona license within 30 days of moving to the state. Of course with my luck, nothing will happen :-)

Have been in Scottsdale, AZ for about 3 weeks. Life is tough but I'm having a good time. There is no question I took a hit with the "move" etc. I lost a bit to FTD. That's fine. I'm not looking back. I'll keep forging ahead "SD" without regret or remorse. My loose plan was get here and get immediately into a routine. Routine, routine, routine. Been pushing it as the single most thing an FTD'er can do for themselves. Easier said than done with the FTD tug of war. In fact, in a writing last week an FTD'er stated they couldn't get out of bed. I wrote Routine, Routine, Routine from my bed at 4pm. Well as I've said before, FTD can hang out but I'm in charge. My plan upon arriving in Arizona was to write a blog a couple of times a week no matter what. Morning/Starbucks/Write. Besides the blog there's plenty in FTD world to stay on top of. I needed a good start. Also wanted to go to the gym regularly. One for to ain't bad.

I'm really happy to say I nailed it. Yes, I'm FTD screwed but I'm going to make it here. Many thought I wouldn't. I want to thank everyone out there that has supporting me throughout this venture. Simply couldn't have done it without your support.

This blog set a record with 8,208 visitors for the month of August. What this means in real life is a lot of FTD awareness. FTD awareness and advocacy is what I've dedicated my life to, so I wanted to share this success.

Upon hearing this, my friend Sharon Denny of AFTD pulled out my original mailer that I did 2 years ago when I started this awareness journey. I never even heard of AFTD. In fact, the mailer was sent to there old address ftd-picks.org  

To: info@ftd-picks.org
Subject: Website submission from Howard Glick

Website contact submission (form: "Contact Us") ============================================

Submitted on: July 21, 2011

Via: http://www.theaftd.org/about/contact

By 64.134.45.40 (visitor IP).

Message:                     

I was diagnosed with FTD last year after being misdiagnosed as being bipolar for 6 years. I have spent the last year in support groups and have done a drastic life style change to try and slow down the diseases progression as well as learn to live, be happy and have purpose in life.

I started a dementia support blog to help people with ftd, dementia's, as well as a resource to caregivers, friends, and the medical community. about 8 days ago and have so far written 4 articles. I have had over 200 visits and members now include the coordinator of early services for the Alzheimer's Association, my neurologist, friends, my support group members, family members of people with ftd dementia like myself and anyone that want to learn first hand what living with dementia is like.

Please visit my blog and feel free to contact me and/or advertise it as a resource.

http://earlydementiasupport.blogspot.com/

Sincerely,

Howard Glick

*** I will no longer be participating on Linkedin. Due to diminishing skills, I've lost the capacity to use it and haven't been able to relearn. Drop what you can't do, move forward with what you can do. Don't look back, don't stop. 

Was going to write a few other things, but I can't. Next blog will be: FTD Progression and Lifespan.

Howard

I just moved to Arizona. Any help in the way of Gift Certificates: Target, Costco, Walmart, Starbucks etc. or checks would be deeply appreciated. Or if you just want to write me a letter or a note, that would be nice. All letters with or without donation will be responded to. I am not starving, but can use some help. Those who can help, that would be appreciated. There's also a donation button on top right of this page. 


Howard Glick
7791 East Osborn Rd. Apt. 170E
Scottsdale, AZ 85251