JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Thanks To A Special JPF Member - John Daubert

How special is our forum?

Last week our own John Daubert drove down from Philly to my house at 8:00 am in Staten island to pick me up and take me out to Queens NY for a doctors appointment with an Orthopedic Spine Specialist.
As driving is now out for me as is most times standing for more than 60 seconds or sitting up straight for more than 5 minutes.
Driving near my boroughs is no joke man.

And last summer it was John who took me to New jersey and back for an upper cervical spine treatment. And next time it's into Manhattan! the craziest (civil,somewhat lol) place you could ever go.. to see the Neurologist yes another one

Okay that's special. While explaining to a family member what I was up to these days they said "Wow! Now where do you know John from"???? okay? JPF that's where.

Truth is we didn't get answers at the doctors but are off to start new tests & re-testings, MRI's and now adding my 46th doctor a new Neurologists (#12 )at NYU that this doctor recommended.
The doctor we saw was good, he cared he LISTENED and is at least trying to help. That is VERY rare in my experiences and it means alot to me.

But what means the most is John's absolute willingness to help me. I don't meant to make him blush here but I am a very emotionally driven person and can't express my appreciation enough.

Even though my health troubles are at a new level of havoc I continue to try to find ways to deal, thanks to people like John and also many of you guys for making that possible. We have a ways to go and John's as bent on finding answers and help as much as i am now
Because next to emotional, persistence is what I'm all about, I am brutally persistent. Then it's loyalty next

So Thanks John, The Colonel John Troutman.... and his wife Cindy...

Thanks to all my friends here those who talked on threads and sent PM's and bought my CD. The session folks and Mark K with the mic and WHOEVER sent those headphones that time lol...

A very special thanks to the following for going beyond to help me directly with this. I will never forget it!

John Green - Azgreen
Midnite Bob
Doc Banford (Too Little Time)
Wendy Dumond

It's all done to keep my wife from going insane! (BUT thank you Mike),,,Now getting back to the reasons: Does anyone know Cindy? Well, if you did, you would love her to death, and would care enough about her to want me out my house as often as possible.

So, Mike,,,,,,it could have been anyone!!! I was hoping for someone even further away than NY that needs rides! Actually Cindy was!!!

"I" am the luckiest one here. Not only will Cindy stay longer, but I get to continue talking with and listening to one of the best musicians in many aspects!

I"m selfish, Mike!
---------------------------------------------

Mike, I am just glad to be able to know you, and to join you in a search for you to get better. From an Iggy song title, "IT's YOU" that causes others to want to help you. Not only are you in great need of help, but you make it fun to be with you, which I find amazing given your condition which of course I have seen over and over again for the past three years.

I would NOT be nearly as accommodating...Probably just the opposite. If I had your symptoms, I know I would not be good company. But you take a breath, or something!, (Pizza), and just forge ahead in very upbeat conversations, and even some jamming. Your example of how to "live in the now" competitiveness is really something to experience. I thought I was competitive. BUT, you are at a whole other level, for sure! I get a cold, and act worse than you do with your pain, dizziness, nausea, leg weakness, and "real concerns"!

It's YOU Mike,,,,It's YOU!

Glad to know you! Glad to be of some help. NYC?....really?, Oh man!/
Well,,,,,,,,,Ok.

Jersey Johnny
(South Jersey, that is), NOT like what you see on TV.
"Not that there's anything wrong with that". "Of course not".

OH,,,,AND,

One day last April, I called Mike right after I quickly wrote a song after learning that Harry Kalas died, (the long time Phillies broadcaster). I asked if I could come up to record the song, and he didn't hesitate and said YES, come up now! He could have had other things going on. He could have been feeling very lousy, (as usual). BUT he said come on up.

He then said to just help him with a song at some point, in exchange for the studio time. Imagine that?! Help HIM, musically? Ha!

That goes to show you all just one of many examples as to why it's easy to want to help him feel better.

HI MIKE

WEll Thanks John !!! -- I don't have a Lot of Words --- so instead I keep sending my POSITIVE thoughts..... even when you guys are not aware -- I'm there..............

I'm glad that there's some New Doc blood in the mix -- Just keep thinking that you Are on the road to a new Healthier life....... we are all sending the Vibes ......... HEALING ........... and the help that you need........

Good work John
and More hugs for Mikey

jm

Johnny's a class act alright!

As are YOU, my friend.

You are right about this forum - the longer I hang out here, the more in debt to folks I become. LOL - it's official - I've reached the point where there will not be enough time to repay my debts.

Scott

John you are a gentleman and a scholar and the kind of friend every friend should have. Mike is blessed to know you and Cindy is one lucky lady I'm sure. God bless you for your kind spirit.

Mike you are loved and it's understandable why. We can only pray that one of these docs one of these days will find the cause and a cure. In the meantime, stay strong and we will continue to pray for you.

God Bless you both,
Lynn

It's folks like you 3, Mike, John and Cindy that makes this world a better place..and you 3 are loved very much, it brings tears to my eyes when I read this...Mike you are loved so much, you have no idea sir.

John, you are not only a great man, but a true friend anyone would be honored to call friend...you're what a real, true man is made of....glyn

Hi, Mike, why don't you get a real friend. ;D
Seriously, you guys have a great friendship. Lifts the spirit to read about it.

NO,,,really guys and dolls, "Mike" is the great friend who everyone should have. No one would take another to someplace if they didn't like very much or respect them. It's easy to do things for people like Mike. Anyone who has met him and has had things done for them, like he has for me, would do the same thing as I have. No biggie on my part. Mike's efforts, on the other hand, have been the incredible ones.

You all would so the same if your experienced Mike's friendship, hospitality, and generosity. Really.

For JPF?. I not only met Mike, but through JPF, got to play out at several showcases and got meet Brian, which he is also a great friend and person. I got to meet and have Iggy in a band that I later helped form. I got to experience my voice singing at the Phillies home opener for tens of thousands of people last year through Scott Campbell buying my wife and I the very expensive tickets. (Way more than face value, due to the sellout caused by those ticket companies). I got to meet and have Tom Tracy in the band before he moved to West Virginia. I got to meet another great person in Jeff Epstein, who traveled far to hear us, (as did Tom Tracy after he moved). I also got to meet many JPFer's at those showcases. I remember not all the names, but I do remember all the meetings and faces, and voices. Greg and Charlene Johnson and their son, Shaine and my wife and I had some great times at a couple of the venues, (in a couple of states). Great friends, they are! Greg climbed up to the balcony at the Regent Theater, near Boston, to film me on his little camera. How col was that? He wanted me on his camera! Why????

Of course, there are many of my friends here on the boards, and as I wouldn't want to leave anyone out,,,,I'm leaving "the rest" of you out! Ha! The help I got and still get from members from all over the world shows what JPF is all about! You all know this too, right? Imagine this support when playing out! We'd all be stars! Ha again!

And to think Brian Austin Whitney's vision and hard work created all this I mentioned and MUCH more! Linda, his wife, and Brian's brother, who helped create the actual site, have all been the seeds that spread great music and personal opportunities. I even got a call from Brian to hear Paul McCartney's new song BEFORE anyone, (other than of course the studio musicians, producers and label reps). Hot off the computer! That was a magical moment, knowing Brain had to call who knows who over in England to have that happen!. Just Plain Folks! Not plain at all. Vert special folks!

So, you see how it is easy to do things for people like Mike. I know I haven;t been a good friend to some other friends. I regretfully didn't keep in ANY contact with Ron Signorelli, after our spat over some recording/producing issues that I didn't pay anymore attention to. He died two months ago, without me responding to his calls to mend things. Some friend I was then, huh?

My point is,,,,Do NOT make me out for anything bigger than I am.
I have friendship flaws. I have attitude flaws. I have ego flaws. I have work ethic flaws now. (working on that through some medical help of my own).

Just know that JPF has MANY people that have done more than I ever could. Mike included. Scott too of course, (Wow Scott,,,I am still blown away at your friendship), and how about IGGY?, who drives here two hours roundtrip, (at least,,,,way more if he's coming from one of his job locations) to practice MY songs mainly! MY songs, and I sit here waiting for everyone, who show up time after time! With no jobs on the horizon. Just a couple of little bars maybe,,,for free! How's that for a friend? he pays for many things that the band does. Posters, cards, sound systems, etc, etc. Checkmate, mates!

If I were in a boxing match with many other "folks" here? I'm knocked-out after three or four rounds of a 15 round fight. No way could I go the distance. You all must have stories of others who have done more than I for other members. Brian wins. Iggy wins. Scott wins. Mike wins. Many others of course win.

Don't write my name on a poster to run for President, in other words!

It's all about JPF, from the start! Thanks Brian. Get Well!

[color:#FFCC00]Hi Mike

THIS IS WHAT I LOVE ABOUT JPF THE MOST!

YOU ARE ALL STARS!

Hugs Michele[/color]

John, that's SO kind of you. It's so refreshing to see people who are willing to give of themselves in a world full of "Gimme". Especially since your wife has been ill. Hugs to you, your wife and Mike.

Cindy is not ill now. She had some vertigo, and high blood pressure before. Both been taken care of. Thank you.

Her longtime and current illness is probably ME!

Hi Mike! Sorry to hear about your health problems but glad to hear John is helping you out. That's awesome Mike! BTW, love your youtube video, 'Brooklyn Song' -- great tune! Take care my friend and keep cranking out the good 'uns!
-Dave

Thanks you guys!

John and I went back again today to see the same doctor. Thing was originally he said we wouldn't need to come back but he'd look at the new MRI's and call if anything.

So I called after about two weeks and the receptionist says " He needs to see you" I say "Well he said actually I didn't need to come back, so he must have seen something in my test results" She says well you need to make an appointment,thats all I know"

So okay he actually see's something and can tell me something. Naturally I would love to hear everything is FINE. But I know i got a problem. John knows and everyone else knows too So lets find out FINALLY what it is. I'm a bit anxious but ready!

We get there and he tells me "ZERO" he see's that I'm worse than I was last month, but says the neck & back aren't the cause of the...
Weakness
Constant Sinking (quicksand) feeling
Tipping,balance trouble

Next it's to the NYU Neurologist and what will be my 47 doctor.

Even John can't believe how "nowhere I get" as he is witness to this stuff lately. How do you crawl into a doctors office, with a cane holding on to whatever,back and neck shot and give DETAILS like do and get "nothing in return"

Now I gotta do a 3rd brain MRI and see another Neurologist like #12.

Recently I was really really "Rockying" through this crap despite thinking I couldn't. But I'm worn out,burned out, beyond frustrated and disgusted. The inability to not stop the sinking & weakness has made life just too hard. So much difficulty standing,walking and sitting up.
How I feel now makes how I felt when going to hospital five years ago seem like a picnic.

So thanks again John it's nice to spend time with you even if I'm not very myself, I miss so so many simple things and now it seems I'll have to start missing making music as well. Playing is just getting to difficult!

I feel like giving up, 13 years is a long long time but I NEVER give up.. because a chance at having even one good time period is always worth it, and hope for some good ahead can help make a bad past disappear.

I continue to keep all of you guys especially the ones with health issues in my thoughts and prayers.. And Brian get well!

Mike,

Have you checked into Musicares?? I wonder if they could help? They just helped a musician and family friend with brain cancer who I sent to them for help. Perhaps they could find a better doc for you?

Brian

I don't know how you do it Mike. Thinking about you.

MAB

Mike, continuing prayers and hopes for you from Nebraska

Tom

Continuing prayers and hopes from Nebraska, Mike. Hang in there.

Tom

Wow, John and Mike:

This is the perfect example of exactly why JPF is such a special "place." A collective of kindred hearts, all struggling to satisfy the elements of their musical souls... some more than others with physical and even emotional trauma. The thing that really makes it special is the extent to which members will go to help each other out. John, your story really rings a bell for all of us. Your reward will come some day when you least expect it... and it is so richly deserved.

Mike, we've long known about you dibilitating "balance" problem and it kills my soul to know you have not discovered a treatment for it. It's out there my friend. Just don't give up hope.

John, thanks so much for taking the time to help Mike... and Mike, thanks for sharing this story about love and generosity toward our fellow JPFrs. It means so much.

Mike....our family prays for you....I hope some day this will all be passed you and your family....I'm so sorry....I know this is tough....you'll get through this, have faith....

John Daubert is so humble....what a guy...."don't make me out bigger than I am" he said.....ain't that somethin'.....that statement alone tells me what a great guy you are....John...

Hey, God Bless You both.....T-Bob ( Mike your the one that gave me that "handle" when I first came here)

As yesterday was another of many setbacks of hope for a diagnosis, (but we'll keep trying, that's for sure), we got back to his house mad and frustrated at the no new news office visit. The thing is though, Mike can STILL be upbeat through most of it, as our talking on the round trip ride to NY Queen's Chinatown was filled with many discussions and laughter.

Marc is right. I see and hear him, and I don't know how he does it. I know how I would be, and how many others would be. To have such optimism while in the throws of such a devastating illness and doctor dead ends is humbling for me, as well as inspiring. I imagined having his symptoms for just a few seconds, and it was overwhelming. Good thing my panic attacks are now blocked, or I would have been the one needing to see a doctor then.

Getting back to when we got to Mike's place, and studio downstairs, he brought attention to the three violins that one of his friends dropped off, who owns a music store. Well, Mike turned ALL of his madness and frustrations, and even his instability and weakness to show me how he make notes come out one of the violins! So,,,naturally, I had to grab one and try to play some noise that might go with what he can play. Well, if you ever need to laugh in the midst of feeling very bad and ill, as Mike sure was, have a friend and you play violins, with at least one never had played one before, (me). Mike just has two weeks of trying to make decent sounds. As he showed me in five seconds of what to do, (as if), we proceeded to JAM on violins! Oh brother! You want to hear sounds to either run from, or laugh your ass off, then you should have been in his studio yesterday. It was the opposite, fun wise of the no news after the doctor visit. For a few minutes, (as he nor me could "play" much longer for our own reasons, (my Tinnitus, and his instability and weakness), we were violin jamming fools! Once I got the feel to make a decent note for each string, we played just a few bars of each of these: Mary Had a little Lamb!; Smoke On The Water; Peter Gun; Opening Day (a Scott Campbell song); Louie Louie; And MIKE did some of The Godfather Theme, as I just watched in disbelief.

Should have videotaped it, as it could have been one of the funniest Youtube showings of the day. Mike soon became too unstable to continue, but the smile was still there. Then of course, reality would soon creep back, not forgetting how much he and I hoped for some news at the docs just an hour earlier.

And get this, he gave me a gift. (The Woodstock special release Bluray edition loaded with extras). How does someone think of someone else in times of feeling so ill and frustrated, and angry, and just about hopeless? His smile was bigger than mine. I can't remember any time where I was ill and yet showed that care and happiness about others in such ways.

Mike is one of a kind. His heart and character surpasses his music abilities, if you can imagine that. I wish that you all someday get to met Sub and witness someone very special. JPF is lucky to have him on these boards. But I am luckier to know him personally. I should be giving him gifts.

We'll keep on going to doc after doc, looking for someone to give a diagnosis and treatment. All so far have just wanted the office visits and testing of this and that, which leads to other no news office visits. I suggested Lou Gerhig's disease, but Mike noted his non weight loss, and just the opposite. So, I said he might have Babe Ruth's disease instead. This was coming out of the front doors of that office in Queens. He laughed and got enough steam behind him to walk to the street, to the car. It's his ability to laugh and smile and TALK things though that allows him to keep going.

Just keep going Mike!

Awww Mike...ever since I first read of your illness, you've been in my prayers! I just don't know how you do it! And these doctors...you'd think you'd find AT LEAST ONE who wouldn't give up until the problem was resolved. I hope you're closer to that this time.

John seems like a really great guy...you BOTH do! This is a prime example of "We're all in this together"!

Hi Brian

No I haven't but I'll look into it. I figured since we now started to see the NYU doctors we would get better results. So far we have only seen one.

I should keep looking and going further away from home maybe out of state completely. But it's frustrating enough going 10 minutes away and getting nowhere, but going two hours away and getting nowhere is even more frustrating. And so on...

John and I sat in bumper to bumper traffic on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway yesterday. With the stink of buses trucks and traffic filling the car. Not used to that anymore. We would have gotten the same exact results if we had just stayed in the studio and listened to music "Low" of course with John.

I'll check it out, thanks

Thanks Marc

It's amazing what we can do especially when we have no choice.

Tom thanks buddy....

Hey Dave

Thanks so much. Yes it is very special.
I have learned so much about people and so much more about life
as this problem continues to get worse. It's the up side to it!

I'm thankful to my friends here, it is nice to have you guys to talk too. Imagine my wife living with me the entire time this has been going on. How much can you pour on to someone else? without breaking them as well?
Knowing that I try (often fail) to keep my conversations away from this here or at least short,with quick comments and remarks. Often jokes!

Yeah Dave it's no episode of "House" no medical conferences about getting you help.

Thanks

Great to see ya T - Bob old buddy.

Yeah I was good at giving out simple handles lol

Yeah John is cool,very cool. I hope all is well with you give Dennis and everyone my regards. Hope one day we'll meet.

Hi Mike,

Keep the faith man. Somewhere, there's an answer and a doctor who will ask the right question. We're all pulling for you.

Ricki

Mike, I just hope with all my might that you hang on like a junkyard dog an Never Give UP. Never, never, never.

You don't deserve the pain and troubles, but you also deserve to prevail. Blow on the coal of the heart, and keep that fire a-blazing.

Some people lose all their limbs, some lose their eyes, ears, faces...some lose their minds.

But you are doing things in the condition you're in that inspire people to find the greatness inside themselves, and people like you have a ripple effect in the world.

We're counting on you to hang on tight like the champ you were born to be.

We love ya, man.

Here's some inspiration from some folks who know a thing or two about adversity:

"If you're going through hell, keep going."


"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."


"Suffering cheerfully endured, ceases to be suffering and is transmuted into an ineffable joy."


"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."


"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only love."


"I get by with a little help from my friends
Gonna try with a little help from my friends"

Beautifully said Mark!!!

Mike,
I don't spend much time in the General discussion forums, so I am just now finding out about your illness. Sending prayers your way. Keep you chin up and know that you will beat this thing and find out what the cause is and nip it in the bud!!!

Charles

Sorry you haven't had any luck yet, Mike. And really sorry to hear the tinnitus is causing you so much grief John.

But at least you have each other to thump on when the other one needs it. Geez, I'd probably get five times as much done as I do if I lived anywhere close to you guys

Keep punching, Mike - somethings gotta break right for ya.

Scott

John

Thanks sooo much for your help and your kind and sincere words. I don't really feel like the person you describe but I trust you so I can start to believe it

Isn't INCREDIBLE? I mean people have asked me for THIRTEEN YEARS,"What's the problem"? "what did the doctor say"? "Is there something you can do"?
When I give them "nothing, ZERO I feel like they must think I'm nuts. I say, listen you have to be in there with me and see"
Now you have John, three times including that Upper Cervical Treatment Center we went to last summer.

Why can't doctors think outside there own box? I mean really when someone talks to me about music I don't only talk and know about MY KINDA MUSIC. Even if i played one instrument or style I can still talk about another,make suggestions etc..

Anyway YES the darn fiddle. Ya know if physical frustration isn't enough, and then emotional problems, Financial problems, then the daunting endless struggles of songwriting and music careers don't do the trick... Get yourself a Violin!

I must be out of head completely, I can't even hold the thing up. Great thing to have if you want to be HUMBLED! My goodness. It takes your mind away from your troubles as it is so much trouble and difficult itself. Just what I needed

John despite what the orthopedic says, I know in my heart that my troubles are related to my spine/neck/back/
Whether it's disease,injury, wear tear, or tumor etc.. I don't know.

As far as the MS or Lou Gerhigs or Babe Ruth's disease. I will bring a guitar or bass with me to the next doctor visits.
If you lean me back on the right angle and position the guitar just right I'll bug out on it, start smoking and blow those theories out the window. As long as i don't have to stand up, sit up or walk while I'm doing it!

Till the next time.
Love you bro, thanks and enjoy that Woodstock on Blu Ray, Blu Ray Rules!!!

Thanks Riki

Faith I have, doctors well??

Thanks so much Mark, what a wonderful thing to say.
I know countless people have it so much worse and harder than me.
And when I pray I pray for others, and only pray for STRENGTH for myself. My prayers have been answered.

You especially and the others have inspired me so I'm gonna crawl down into that studio and try to do something. If I were perfect healthy that's were I'd go anyways Always have always will!

Great pics and people below, more inspiration, thanks

Thanks Polly you're really sweet.
Ya know i kept a list of most of the doctors I have seen that's how I got the 46 doctors. I wish one would take my report home and find a clue, NEVER HAPPEN! It's gonna be me who does it. I'll spill it right on there lap!

And yeah John is awesome. He is The Colonel

Bless you, & thanks
Mike

Then as it was, then again it will be
An' though the course may change sometimes
Rivers always reach the sea