|
Post by jesse on Dec 1, 2008 14:30:54 GMT -5
:'(Well, as someone once said, "All good things must come to an end", and so it is with me and Flight simulation. Once again I have been grounded. As many of you know, I lost my FAA medical back in July 1990 and can no longer fly as PIC.
On October 14, 2008 I had cataract surgery performed and while at the eye clinic, my Opthamologist informed me that while doing the surgery he detected that I have developed an eye disease called ARMD which means Age Related Macular Degeneration. This is a slowly developed condition where the Macula at the rear of the eye can no longer be relied upon to properly focus on items that the eye is observing. As you grow older, the degeneration becomes more pronounced and eventually you lose your central vision. Mine has not reached that stage yet, but as of now, after about 20 to 30 minutes on the computer, everything becomes blurred and distorted. I can no longer tell one instrument on the panel from another.
My Doctor has told me that from now on I am only allowd about 15 to 20 minutes to check email and such. There is no cure for ARMD and the treatment is not too effective.
I have had 86 years of good flying and I can't complain. I have also met a lot of very nice people over the past 15 years or so of flight simulation....some I have met in person, while most are just names and once in awhile, a photo.
I won't be doing any more flying but I will be checking into the forum to see what is progressing and what new birds are being uploaded.
Y'all take care.
Jesse
Jesse
|
|
|
Post by Tom/CalClassic on Dec 1, 2008 14:35:57 GMT -5
Jesse,
You don't know how much I dreaded opening up this forum thread, and I am so sorry that this has happened. You have been an integral part of the CalClassic family for so long that I can't imagine the site without you. Please drop by as often as you can, and continue your contributions to our family via the forum.
Take care of yourself,
|
|
|
Post by Maarten on Dec 1, 2008 14:52:15 GMT -5
Jesse,
I'm shattered having read your message. I am so sorry that this is happening to you. My first feeling is: "That's not fair". But then, there is no fairness in health and one may only be happy if everything stays working in good order for as long as it does. Nice talking, but my heart says this is only crap talk.
Like Tom said, please stay with us. It is such a pleasure meeting you, learning from you and having good craic with you. I wouldn't like to miss that for the world. Thanks for all that.
In the meantime, try and do all the other things you have been enjoying and which have kept you so young. Don't forget to keep doing your cruise trips and reunions as long as you can.
Best regards from your Amsterdam friend, Maarten
|
|
|
Post by jessri on Dec 1, 2008 17:14:47 GMT -5
Jesse: I have learned so much from your posts about the birds we fly here, your RW experience has made my fltsim flying much more enjoyable. Hope you keep in touch with us thru the forum. I pray that maybe before long a cure will be found for your health problem. So in closing, fair winds smooth sailing my friend. Best regards, Jesse Moffett
|
|
|
Post by wbrand2 on Dec 1, 2008 19:06:45 GMT -5
Jesse,
It's good to know that you'll still be around the forum. I think I've read every word you've written here, remember most of them, and feel lucky to have shared vicariously in your experiences. Now's a good time to say that they make a big difference to the way people like me, with no real aviation experience, can enjoy this hobby.
My father is just your age and was diagnosed with the same condition almost four years ago. There have been several complete overhauls to the types of treatment and medicine used during that period, and real progress. His eye doctor is confident that he will not suffer any further deterioration.
My Dad has always been a positive thinker, has bounced back more than once from challenges bigger than the current one, and keeps on going. He has dabbled since retirement in trading collectibles, including coins and watches, and still cuts a good deal from time to time. Makes me a proud son, needless to say.
Your energy, good humor, helpfulness, and positive attitude contribute to making this forum as fine a place as it is, and these attributes will continue to be your allies.
All the best, Bill
|
|
|
Post by ozbeowulf on Dec 1, 2008 19:22:28 GMT -5
Jesse, what can I say?
I remember when you first arrived on this forum. From day one, you set a standard for first-hand knowledge and willingness to share. You have been unfailingly cheerful and we will miss your posts.
Please try to drop in when you can, but we all realise your new restrictions. Above all, don't cause yourself any further problems.
Like Tom, I had a cold chill when I saw the subject line of your post today. I'm glad the news is not worse.
I'm a candidate for cataract surgery in coming months, so I feel, in a small way, a connection to your situation.
Good luck, mate...
Glenn
|
|
|
Post by wwtowers on Dec 1, 2008 19:49:29 GMT -5
Jessie... Sorry to hear about your condition and I'm sure that as most of us grow older we will face the same kind of challenges. What is great about you being a member of the forum is that when someone asks a question about something, you have either flown it or have a copy of it in your files. You have never hesitated to help someone out.
Giving up the flying end sucks, but please stay around as long as you can. Your experience and knowledge can never be replaced! All too soon it will be propliner pilots who "haven't".
Take care... Bill
|
|
|
Post by sunny9850 on Dec 1, 2008 21:21:07 GMT -5
As a newbie still to these forums I can't claim to have known you as well as some of the others here but what I have read above and in your posts, Jesse speaks for itself. I am truly sorry to hear of the bad deal that mother nature has dealt you Captain..I guess that is one where even the best flight plan will not help. I too hope that you will keep us company here as much as possible and continue to bless us with your knowledge.
And if you are ever in the SoCal area and feel like going up in a tiny PA32 I'd be honored to learn something from you in flight.
|
|
|
Post by bushpounder on Dec 1, 2008 21:33:34 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear this, Jesse. Please keep in touch.
Don
|
|
|
Post by Willy on Dec 1, 2008 22:06:09 GMT -5
It saddens me to hear this. One of my old CFS comrades went through this a few years back, so I know a little about it. Take care of yourself first Jesse and come visit if you can.
|
|
|
Post by qxtoolman on Dec 2, 2008 1:12:12 GMT -5
Jesse: First my sincere Thoughts & Prayers are with You. It seems like only yesterday I was one of the first here to Welcome you here to Tom's house. I remember begging you to stay, as you were a walking, talking legend of the time in which these "Classic" birds flew. I was right, over the years here you have enriched our lives, with your knowledge, generosity, and great sense of humor. I am sure I speak for the vast majority of the members here, that You are truly "One of a Kind", a "Cherished Friend", and "Esteemed Member of the FS Community". Let me Close with the Following: Godspeed Jesse! Yours Truly, Stefan
|
|
|
Post by Ricardo Miranda on Dec 2, 2008 1:46:50 GMT -5
Jesse,
I have no words left except to wish you all the best. I hope they find a cure for that ARMD.
Thank you so much for all the teachings and nice words you had to us. Please, stay as long as you but take care of yourself first.
My very best regards Soft landings!
|
|
|
Post by chris_c on Dec 2, 2008 1:51:17 GMT -5
Jesse I can only echo the others' thoughts and feelings. You have provided so much with this little community and enriched all of us in some ways and I for one am in your debt Sir, for that which you have shared, taught and written on these pages.
My 89-year old Mother also suffers from ARMD and has for some time so I have some small appreciation of your condition.
Best Wishes and Take Good Care of yourself.
Chris
|
|
|
Post by emfrat on Dec 2, 2008 3:31:00 GMT -5
Jesse - I am very sorry to hear your news, and I thank you for sharing it with a total stranger like me. I think you have been dealt a very unfair hand this time around....one of my uncles was fully functional until he reached 102, and then his sight suddenly deteriorated, and he had to go 'into care' ; sad to say, he didn't make 103 which would have been a family record. I don't have any experience or knowledge of "ARMD", but I have seen many adverts (at flightsim etc) for computer-linked spectacles which effectively put the screen display right in front of one's eyes ( this is not the 3-D Glasses thing) . I am sure you already know about that, but it is the only help I can think of to offer. In Australia, there is an expression of absolute highest regard for someone's personal qualities: "Yer blood's worth bottling!". It most certainly applies to you. People like you make the world a better place.
Cheers, and all my best wishes- MikeW
|
|
|
Post by Col7777 on Dec 2, 2008 4:38:52 GMT -5
I can only echo what the others have said. But Hey Jesse, I won't let you leave, I understand you may not be able to do flight sim but is there anybody else in the family that can come on the forum with you sat next to them and read out our insults to you ? Seriously mate, and I say 'Mate' because I class you as just that a good Friend, so please do your best and try and stay with us, if it does become hard then I can only say what the others have said and I'm gonna miss you and your vast knowledge, I feel very sad right now. Col.
|
|