In December of 2013 I was told I have FTD and probably had 2 years of quality life left

[Omaha Steve]

For a short time it was thought I had ALS too. Turned out I don't have ALS. As you can tell, I still have some quality left in me.

Here is the link to the story I used to explain FTD: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/health/a-rare-form-of-dementia-tests-a-vow-of-for-better-for-worse.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Each patient advances at their own rate. For me, so far so good.

I'm on Trazadone to slow the advance of FTD. Studies in Great Britain show that Trazadone for some reason does help with that.

I'm still able to get around and communicate. I need to lose a few pounds since I'm pre-diabetic.

I have helped raised over 1.5 million dollars for Biden-Harris: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214084917

Anyway I get asked from time to time how I'm doing. For now I'm doing fine.

Regards,

OS

[niyad]

1. We are so very, very lucky to have you with us.

[elleng]

2. ;-)

[LiberalLoner]

3. I'm so glad you are still here with us!

[maryallen]

46. Absolutely!

It takes guts to keep fighting.

[blaze]

4. And here you are, seven years later!!!

I was pretty upset when you shared your diagnosis and have worried, along with many other DUers I'm sure, about how everything was progressing.

I'm so glad you're still being you!!

[marybourg]

5. So glad you're doing so well!

[Sherman A1]

6. Hang in there Union Brother

[monmouth4]

26. You are a treasure Steve, no doubt about it..n/t

[AnotherMother4Peace]

7. I always click onto your posts. Thank for your unwavering fundraising efforts and

keeping us focused on the importance of financial support of our candidates and keeping things positive and your kindness. I was wondering how you were doing. I remember when you first posted about your condition way back when. Thank you for the update. I appreciate you.

[Demsrule86]

8. I am so happy you are here...and it seems as if there is new research too...and that

you are doing well.

[PatSeg]

9. This is good to hear!

[matt819]

10. It's great to be in year 7 of a 2-year quality of life timeline.

It's wonderful to see someone beat the odds.

BTW, your fund-raising efforts go beyond the money raised via DU links. Due in part to your efforts here, I periodically respond to Biden e-mails directly and donate there. Not a lot of money, but I guess every dollar helps. Or, in your case, every million or so dollars help.

Whatever the prognosis, I hope you continue to do well.

[catrose]

11. I'm happy for all your quality days of life and hope you have many more

[crickets]

12. So glad to hear that you're still hanging in there!

Stay strong.

And bravo on your Act Blue campaign for Joe, Kamala, and DUer duhneece. It's amazing how much money you've helped raise.

[Omaha Steve]

17. Here is duhneece's link

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-to-elect-denise-lang-browne-1

[denbot]

13. Rock on Omaha Steve

Thank you for using your time left to the greater good.

[nolabear]

14. Your own strength and success certainly helps me!

When I lose hope for better days or some relief from gloom, I remember you and others who just don’t give up. I don’t doubt it’s hard as hell but I’m delighted you’ve been around here and man, we’ve sent a TON of money to Biden and Harris! Thank you more than I can say for that!

[duhneece]

34. Amen!

DU is given a gift in our OS

[UpInArms]

15. Keep on keeping on, dear Steve

[cayugafalls]

16. You are an inspiration to all.

So glad you are beating the odds and doing OK.

[Bradshaw3]

19. If DU had a most admired list you would be on top

Our preferred candidate didn't win the primary but you have continued your efforts, doing more for Biden than anyone here. A shining example of a true blue Democrat. Wish you continued success in your battle.

[duhneece]

25. I so agree

OS inspired me, inspired so many DUer over the years.... and is beating the odds.
I think his activism is extending his life... and the quality of mine.
The rest of DU has no idea how much Omaha Steve has been helping me besides fundraising. His technical know-how and political instincts mean I sometimes contact him multiple times in just one day.


I can’t adequately express my gratitude.

[Bradshaw3]

65. I just donated

Good luck. I lived in the Four Corners for awhile, a ways from you, but I know your area. Don't know OS but I believe what you say is true.

[duhneece]

84. I'm glad you're aware of how different we are from Santa Fe

Some folks hear New Mexico and think Santa Fe.

[Bradshaw3]

86. Parts of SE NM are more like Texas

Don't know about your area. I have a friend who covered the statehouse in NM. No offense to the Enchanted State, but she said it was kind of a joke. Hopefully it's not that way now or maybe you and others can change the culture.

[duhneece]

89. We are hugely Texan

Even I have to confess I grew up in El Paso Texas....

[peacebuzzard]

69. Hi Duhneece, just donated a few bucks.

you are doing such a great job! Thank goodness OS has this going for you.
every little bit helps I know.

[duhneece]

87. You are so appreciated

We’re doing all we can here. For ALL of us.

[duhneece]

88. You are so appreciated

We’re doing all we can here. For ALL of us.

[turbinetree]

31. I second that motion................

[iluvtennis]

20. Keep on keeping on Omaha Steve. nt

[chia]

21. You are amazing.

I'm so glad you're here.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. I remember when we spoke about your prognosis, my dear Omaha Steve...

And I was so afraid that we would soon lose you!

I have never been so glad to be wrong.

Keep on keepin' on!

[duhneece]

35. 'I have never been so glad to be wrong "

Your message echos.

[rurallib]

23. I think many of us can remember when you announced your condition on here

It made me very sad to see such a bad thing happen to such a great guy.

As the years have gone on (has it really been 7 years??) and the followup dreaded announcement never came, my sense of hoping for the best has changed to a big cheer that you are still around and not just surviving but leading.

I have learned so much from you over the years. Here's to your continued health

[Dem2theMax]

24. Every time I see a post with your name on it, I smile.

I really do. Keep doing what you are doing, Omaha Steve.
Doctors don't know everything, and you have certainly proved that! DU is lucky to have you!

[lillypaddle]

27. One would never know

reading what you have written. So happy for you that you are doing well. Keep it up.

Best to you, OS.

[duhneece]

37. It's my opinion that his condition is 'indolent'

That’s what my doctor calls my MS. Indolent, lazy conditions proceed more slowly. Steve is beating the odds.

[ms liberty]

28. And we are so happy that you are doing so well, dear OS!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

29. Great News, Omaha Steve!!

I’m so happy, I remember your previous post which made me terribly sad.

This is great to hear you’ve been doing well all this time!
Keep at it!!

[Karadeniz]

30. Thank you for the update...and thank you for all the helpful input over the years!❤❤❤❤❤

[marieo1]

32. Hugs to you......

Sending Blessings and hugs your way..........thanks for sharing!! I didn't even know what FTD was until I read your post. Stay safe and keep posting!!

[Lucky Luciano]

33. Big Rec! You are a fixture here who adds tremendous value!

[saljr1]

36. Thank you Steve for your service to DU

and for being a caring American. God Bless🙂

[LymphocyteLover]

38. Great to hear you beats to odds!

[LAS14]

39. Thanks for the update. And thanks again for letting us donate in the name of DU!!!! Hang in there!

[bigtree]

40. thanks, Steve!

...

[Roy Rolling]

41. Thanks for all you do

Your posts are my first news read every day.

[gademocrat7]

42. Thank you for the update, OS.

Appreciate you! Take care.

[AllaN01Bear]

43. forgive my ignorance , what is ftd? thanks

[Omaha Steve]

44. Frontotemporal Degeneration

https://www.theaftd.org/what-is-ftd/disease-overview/

FTD is the most common form of dementia for people under age 60.

It represents a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. FTD is also frequently referred to as frontotemporal dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or Pick’s disease.


I'll be 64 next January.

[AllaN01Bear]

45. thanks for your information sir.

[AllaN01Bear]

47. im diabetic type 2 , on metforman. also diet and exercise do help. happy pre bday.

i turned on 15 th of this month.

[kcr]

48. I remember when you posted about that

So glad to see you're still posting on DU and going strong

[malaise]

49. Keep on keeping on

[tblue37]

50. I am glad you're doing well and I hope that continues for a very long time. We need you here. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

51. I've been wondering about you. Since your sad announcement, I've

noticed you still seemed like your old self. So, I'd hoped they got the diagnosis wrong.

[tazkcmo]

52. To me, you represent the best of DU.

The frosting on the cake, the cherry atop the sundae.

Salute, OS.

[Stuart G]

54. I agree. You are the..."The Very Best Representation of Democratic Underground.."

I'm very thankful you are here and share your wisdom and experiences with us.Thank You Again

[stuffmatters]

77. 1000% You represent the best of all of us,OS

[cwydro]

53. That is fantastic.

You've outlived their estimates by many years.

These stories give us all hope.

Keep on keeping on!

[backtoblue]

55. Kick and rec

Thanks for all the work you have done!

[littlemissmartypants]

56. Kicked and recommended. ❤ nt

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

57. Great news OS...

Everything will get better!

[pansypoo53219]

58. you are lucky. everybody is different.good luck.

[KT2000]

59. I have wondered how you

were doing. Your posts have been good and no sign of trouble so thanks for the update. And congrats on the fund raising - Wow!

[a kennedy]

61. Great news...........

and you’re our $$$$$ life of the campaign. Stay strong, and thank you for ALL you do.

[joanbarnes]

62. So glad to hear you are doing fine OS. I remember your heart breaking post.

I always look for your posts. I am going to Omaha for the first time soon for Mr. Barnes' medical testing.....always thinking of you...

[Maraya1969]

63. Thanks for the update. I'm sure your involvement and dedication help your situation. Keep it up

[warmfeet]

64. You certainly seem to be doing great.

Based on your content here, at DU, you are doing very well indeed.

[lostnfound]

66. Very glad you're doing well, you add a lot to our community.

Peace.

[Gore1FL]

67. I cannot imagine.

I have a genetic predisposition for pretty severe dementia. I haven't fulfilled that destiny as of yet.

You rock, Omaha Steve. You prove there is life beyond diagnosis. You prove there is life.

Thank you-- from someone who expects to follow a similar path.

[Niagara]

68. Thank you for all that you do, OS.

I always try to kick your ActBlue support updates on the daily. I might miss a few here and there, but you are much appreciated and I'm glad that you're with us.

[peacebuzzard]

70. I heard you were not well but you are so active on this board,

I hoped maybe it was resolving and you were back to business as usual.
I wish you the very best. You are such a treasure to get the DU political contributions going with such success.
Thanks for all you do. I wish you many years of health. I hope the disease process halts and stays controlled.
stay well, Steve.
best,

[we can do it]

71. Steve you're awesome!

[applegrove]

72. I would never have known. Vibes to you.

[sprinkleeninow]

73. O-Steve! 💓

[DFW]

74. That is a rather impressive and encouraging "oh, and by the way"

As we say here in Germany, "weiter so!" ("keep it up!" )

[blogslut]

75. You are a legit hero, Steve

[appalachiablue]

76. Thanks Steve and you must stay around to keep

us steady for a long time! Positive vibes & love to you and yours.

[smirkymonkey]

78. Glad to hear you are doing fine, Omaha Steve!

You are so appreciated here and we hope you will be around for a very long time! You are a true asset to our community! Please take care!

[JudyM]

79. You're always exceeding expectations!

[WhoWoodaKnew]

80. Keep Kicking Ass!!!

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

81. My wife had ALS and was told she probably had five years to live, maybe more

She died two years later.

[highplainsdem]

82. Very glad you're doing so well!

[CaptainTruth]

83. Glad to hear it!

[NancyDrew]

85. Wonderful News!

I am a long time lurker (since early George W. years) but I stay quiet. But for such good news as this I just have to speak up and tell you how very happy I am that you're doing so well. I'm also glad to hear that you've found a medication that is working well for you. I know this med as my hubby takes it. Been around forever so it's well studied (safe) and, even better, super cheap!

I recall 7 years ago when you shared your diagnosis and the prognosis. It was mighty grim but you have proved that there's always a patient somewhere who doesn't follow the typical path. That 5%, 10%, or whatever % of all the ones diagnosed that can maintain their health. I'm sure that your experience is what gives hope to others with the disease.

And as someone who loves old movies and TV shows, I have to take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoyed your wonderful posts about meeting celebrities and your great photos too. Thank you so much for for sharing them.

May the disease slow to a snail's crawl and you have many more years to enjoy life!