Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:38 a.m.
I could not post any pictures since August 2011. I had an attack of GCA [Giant Cell Arteritis/ aka Temporal Arteritis]. I believe that no one knows why or how it happens or what causes the same. So it gets classified conveniently as an “auto-immune-disrder”. I was on Cortico-Steroid treatment for about a month with a tapered dose for a second month. That is mighty lucky; most patients, apparently are treated for more than a year or two. The post treatment withdrawal is the worst part. It makes your muscles weak, destroys your appetite and you name any disorder, it will create the same. Scandinavians suffer the most, followed by other Europeans and North –American whites.
As a consolation the research notes from Mayo Clinic say “when you feel everything in the world is going wrong with you…just sit back and say it is normal”.
I tried in the past few days to see if I could walk with a camera, balance my gait and stance, and make pictures again. I bought a few old cameras, CLAed them and brought them back to life, during the treatment. Shall post them later. They said that activity will reduce inflammation of the arteries. So it did, I guess.
Here are some samples of what I made this week, with a Praktica Super TL and a Domiplan lens on Ultrafine 100 film. I still cannot walk very far; so you may have to bear with my near home shots. They are really nothing; only to check if I can still make pictures and get back to participation at PN. Cheers!
New Building lines
Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:42 a.m.
Looking up the hill nearby. The hill was a designated Regional Park in the Comprehensive Plan! However, much of it has been encroached by private developers for housing, schools and colleges.
Another one
Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:44 a.m.
This is a Single Family Zone. But many apartment buildings are getting built.
A fence line
Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:46 a.m.
Just a random shot to try a close up with the Domiplan.
Grocery store
Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:48 a.m.
Family run stores still do good business. Even Multi-Nationals supply to them.
Stefan T. , Feb 02, 2012; 08:50 a.m.
Welcome back and I hope you will be better soon. I always enjoyed your posts and I really missed your photos from suburban india, beautiful east german cameras and homebrew developers.
Cheers, Stefan
Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:51 a.m.
Response to Response to Getting back slowly
I tried this shot near the fence to see if I could get some OOF planes in the frame.
OOF on the fence
Subbarayan Prasanna , Feb 02, 2012; 08:58 a.m.
I am not familiar with the "Bokeh" art. The last time I posted pictures from the Domiplan someone suggested that I post some OOF shots. So here is my first try. I think that the focused items ought to be on the brighter side and the OOF items could be darker. Just saying "Hello" with some pictures. Regards, sp.
Dennis W , Feb 02, 2012; 09:31 a.m.
I've always enjoyed your posts and photo-sharing. Sounds like a nasty illness, and as a former user of corticosteroids whose been through steroid withdrawal, this can be as bad as the disease. I hope you make a complete recovery.
Very nice photos, as usual!
Charles Stobbs 
, Feb 02, 2012; 09:33 a.m.
Good to see you posting again and to learn that photography is good therapy.
