From bad to worse

First topic message reminder :

I saw my neuro today and got some very discouraging news. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, it's that bad.

I also found out my 18 year old nephew may be missing in China...has not been heard from for two weeks since he tried to leave the country after accidentally letting his tourist visa lapse. He is a very, very good kid, so I'm pretty sure he hasn't gotten himself into major trouble. My heart says he is ok....just really hoping to hear good news.

Tomorrow is also the anniversary of my baby brother's death.

The pain in my head is so bad and I should be in my "good" period...the one I get three weeks after botox until week eight or so. Work is very pressured and it took 1 1/2 hours to get to my neuro appointment today and cost me 18 bucks to park!!!! 18!

Oh dear. Please send me some positive vibes if you have any to share.

My old job knew exactly when I had one and no one ever thought anything of it....but I'm at a new job and I'm under scrutiny so it's not something I want to advertise. Now I have to address it because otherwise I look drunk or stoned....and that is much, much worse.

What's new with you, Milo?
At work and with your nephew??

Risa

Thanks for asking ck. The nephew is waiting for his exit visa. I think he will be ok now that he has paid the fines and applied for it. Even if he gets detained (heaven forbid) he still will be able to provide documents to show he has applied for exit. I'll be happy when he gets home though.

I haven't seen any improvement but I do have my injections coming up at the end of the month...so fingers crossed!

I have just recently been back and have been following this post, all freaked out!!!! CHINA????? Well this is a stretch and I have been thinking on it. I haven't talked to my family yet, but I do happen to have some family in CHINA right now. They have been living there for 1 & 1/2 years so far for his job. If this situation were to get any more serious, like it isn't already, and there is anything I might be able to do, please let me know. I don't know what but maybe just getting them in touch with your nephew or something??? they are really nice people from Michigan, I am sure if they can help they would. It has been a while since i have talked to them, and we are not super close, but family is family and they are really wonderful and loving people. Keep us updated.

That is so kind Steph.

I came online to update because I am sick with worry. I found out yesterday that he HAS NOT paid the fine yet!!!! And he seems to have "spent" some of the money. THis is very, very, very odd. This kid is extremley sheltered and has never done anything "bad" his whole life. The worst thing he ever did was accidently set off a fire alarm in school with magic paper. He is just not kind of kid.

I'm so very worried he is in some sort of trouble as it makes no sense at all that he would have spent some of the money.

Steph is your family anywhere near Beijing?

I have a feeling one of us will soon be making arrangemenst to fly out there and get things figured out.

Please keep him in your thoughts.

I believe they may be, I will msg them, but they don't always get email, or facebook or anything very quickly or often because of the nature of the government there. It is sometimes hard to communicate, I will send it shortly here and let you know...

They are in Shanghai, and I really am not sure how far that is from Beijing, but I did send them a message, so hopefully I will hear something soon. Her facebook is entirely empty, so I am not sure what is up with that, unless it is that govt thing again...

I appreciate it. Thanks.

I will keep trying to contact them and let you know how far I get. They may make it home for the holidays, it is in his work contract that they are flown home a couple of times a year. If I cannot get ahold of them before they return, I am sure to see them. Please let me know if develops in the meantime. I am very worried. After talking to my husband, we are both concerned with the factions that are in other countries. We are hoping this is just some big misunderstanding for you nephew and that there is no serious trouble going on! Please take care and let the rest of his family know there are people pulling for them!

Oh gosh, that indeed very curious and worrisome about your nephew, hmmm.
If you have any news, Milo, please let us know.

And how are you doing, health wise?

Risa

Really bad news this morning. He went to pay his fine and they took him immediately to jail. I'm sick with worry, as you can imagine. I am not a prayer, but all of my thoughts are hoping and wishing that he is in a safe place where he is able to communicate with at least a few people. I'm hoping he is detained with other "internationals" and not in a regular jail with hardened, violent criminals. I hope he has something to keep him busy and keep his mind off things.

We are told he will not be home for Christmas. This is indeed a horrific turn of events. Please forgive me if I do not share too many more details. I promise I will update when he is safe.

Thank you all for your prayers, positive thoughts and support. Please keep this sweet young man in your thoughts and hope for his safe return.

We are assured that his only reason for being detained is the visa and that there is a major discrepancy between what two authorities are asking of people who are currently there with expired visa's. The people who grant the exit visa are providing one document (which you pay a very heavy fine to recieve) but when you arrive at the airport the authorities there refuse the document saying that you need the same document in a "photo ID version".

Until the two authorities agree with each other, many more people will be stuck in my nephews situation. This appears to be a new disagreement between authorities and is why he has not been able to leave earlier.

I am so sorry to hear what's happening, and I hope he's healthy and in a safe place.

Please don't forget to take care of yourself with all that's going on, I know family stress can be a huge trigger for me.

I've got my voodoo chicken out for you and him right now. Let us know whatever you're comfortable with telling as you can.

It is a very difficult place without the type of due process we are used to. Is there anything the consulate can do to help him?

The consulate can only ensure that he is being treated the same as any other prisoner. They will see him Wed their time, which is tomorrow my time.

Well, hopefully they will be able to tell you something. While Chinese detainments can be long depending on all sorts of politics, it's unlikely he is being mistreated. This could be a long process. I hope you are able to not worry too much. Making yourself sick will not help.

Gosh, Milo I am SO sorry. I strongly hope everything will be sorted out quickly, though,
and your nephew will survive this with no serious problems at all.

And ditto to taking care of yourself amidst all this - you gotta.

Risa

I do feel better tho that you know where he is, and that he isn't the only one in this situation! I was really hoping something would be heard from him soon. I am sorry the news isn't the best, but it is at least better!

The consulate assures us that no complaints have been logged regarding the treatement of Canadians in the detention centre he is being held.

There will be no phone calls to or from him. There is nothing that can be done to speed things up or change any outcome. We now just need to wait and hope that he is ok and keep him in our thoughts.

Thanks again for your support, prayers and positive thoughts.

Ahhhh, no communication, grrr,
and let's hope their assurances are true enough.

So we acn not do anything expect wait patiently, sigh.

Ok let's wait, then, since nothing's left and Milo if you know anything please drop a word?

How are you doing, anyway?
How's you head, and the other stuff? any news from your drs?
any definite diagnosis as to what causes your other symptoms, please?


Hope you are doing well, regardless, hon.

Risa

A tiny glimmer of hope!!!!

We have fifth-hand information that my nephew may be released "Monday or Tuesday". There is no way to confirm this...but we are all very, very hopeful. I'd appreciate your continued positive thoughts!!!!

Thanks everyone and I'll update as soon as I have info.

Fingers crossed!

I would have shaken my dinner before I put it in the crockpot, but it was a pot roast, so happy voodoo cow thoughts?!? I hope everything works out for him and you.

I don't have any details except that he was on the flight and has landed safely back in Canada! Yay. I'm hoping to get an update once they have made the drive home. Thanks again for all your support!

Milo that is great to hear. I'm sure it will take a big load off your mind!

I'm so happy for you and him.