Walkenhorst

[SoCalCoug]

I just read that article about Walkenhorst. It hits home to me on many levels, a few of which I think I can share.

Yesterday, we went to the funeral for my wife's best friend. She suffered from severe depression, and had some strong medications for it. One night, she took her medication (I don't think the autopsy determined that she overdosed - and the circumstances ruled out suicide), which made her very tired. She then took a bath and fell asleep and drowned.

My wife has had severe neck pain for years. Right before the Rush Limbaugh stuff came out, her pain management doctor prescribed her oxycontin. She was on it for a couple of months, but she hated feeling like Ozzy Ozbourne (she used to shuffle around like him), and then the news about Rush Limbaugh's addiction came out, and she took herself off of it. She was not told how addictive it was. The withdrawals she went through as she came off it (even quicker than recommended by the doctor) was truly hellish for her. (Fortunately, she recently had neck surgery, which seems to have helped a great deal with her neck pain.)

Having seen firsthand (and these are not my only experiences with these issues) the difficulties that depression and prescription drug addiction cause, I have very strong respect for Walkenhorst. I also applaud him for going public with his story - depression and prescription drug dependence both have a social stigma to them, especially among church members, which often cause people (unwarranted) guilt and often keep them from seeking help from those around them.

My respect for Bronco has also increased, seeing that he has been sensitive to Walkenhorst's problems and is giving him a full opportunity to complete his college eligibility and contribute to the team.