Problem with using DECODE

[DickDeeds]

Problem: I have been unable to access encrypted information using ENCODE and DECODE. The information goes into the file OK but I cannot DECODE it. Below is the code.’

1. The call from the program.

$result1=$dba_pm->selectencrypted($id);

2. the code in the class module

$sql="select DECODE('PM_Subject','2TRILFDA9Gioads*%'), DECODE('PM_Memo','2TRILFDA9Gioads*%')
       from personal_memo where PM_ID='".$id."'";
    $result=mysql_query($sql);
echo $sql."<br>result=".$result."<br>";

3. Results in:

select DECODE('PM_Subject','2TRILFDA9Gioads*%'), DECODE('PM_Memo','2TRILFDA9Gioads*%') from personal_memo where PM_ID='8'
result=Resource id #53
affected_rows=1

4. My problem is that I can’t get any data. mysql_fetch_array($result); yields:
Warning: mysql_fetch_array(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL result resource

Can anyone help;?????
TIA
Dick Deeds