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Writer's pictureRuss Newton

Scratch that, good news!

Updated: Feb 6, 2022

I saw my ALS doctor in San Antonio today. And I was apparently able to impress on her and her associate how badly I needed relief from excess drooling. I said to both doctors that I was considering suicide if this didn't get taken care of.. So then I had to answer a lot of questions about self harm and why was I thinking of it.. I said I have a 100% fatal illness and I was tracking the joy component in my daily life and constantly drooling took me to zero. If they could fix it, it would get my Joy back to 50%. I was asked what would get it to 100%? I said restore talking and eating.! For a minute they were talking about involuntary commitment. I talked them down from that and said if you want me to not kill myself get me this procedure. That is what I need most right now. I am only suicidal because I have a rag in my mouth. So the lead doctor agreed and dropped involuntary commitment as an item and went to see how quickly I could be gotten in.


Update. Again we had to play around with nurses that can't read. They called me to set up an appointment. But I recorded a message on an old cell phone and called back and left a message that I was still mute so calling isn't a good option. Then I asked a friend to call them and suggest they use my chart. It worked, I am now going in this Thursday in 48 hours to have this procedure and hopefully put an end to this faucet in my mouth.

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9 Comments


grandspud
Dec 23, 2021

I love that despite the unfathomable challenges you are enduring, you're still Russ Newton. The way you expained this situation to these doctors is exactly the way I remember you would explain things to us during your years at The Times. Simply, straightforwadly, logically, and indisputably honestly. You don't often see that style of communication.

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Russ Newton
Russ Newton
Dec 23, 2021
Replying to

Larry,


I have no idea why more people in leadership positions don't make Truth telling number one. I used to lie..... when I was six or seven years old. I stole some candy from the grocery store and when I got home I happily started to eat it. My mom came up to me and asked me where I got it. I said I found it. She asked where. I broke down crying (I was not a very good liar) and she coaxed the truth out of me but then laid the hammer down. I had to go back to the store, with my mom, and confess to the clerk that I had stolen it and I had to pay…


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Tom Wiensch
Tom Wiensch
Dec 16, 2021

I hope they can do the botox procedure soon and that it works well. I'm praying for you too. Keep hanging tough. The world is a better place with you in it.


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lizgaier
Dec 15, 2021

Thats great news!


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Scott Roop
Scott Roop
Dec 14, 2021

I too am praying for you Russ you are the toughest Man I know, the picture of you entitled Wisconsin Refugees reminds me of the Russ I knew in the 80's you look fabulous!

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Russ Newton
Russ Newton
Dec 15, 2021
Replying to

Scott,


I am the Healthiest dying man you will ever see!


Russ

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Mark Dtayo
Mark Dtayo
Dec 14, 2021

Hopefully it will only be the Packers that continue to suck after tomorrow's procedure. LOL!

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