Importance of This Forum and other posts

[NYgirl]

Of course like my "twin" I must now post and keep the positivity of his spirit going.

I was wondering...what do you find to be the most important/helpful/inspiring etc. thing about this forum?

In other words, what draws you here on a daily basis to join in?

Aside from the education that I've received (which for me goes without saying) the most important thing about this board is that no matter how horrible it gets I know I am not alone - I can come in feeling HORRIBLE and find understanding/love/friendship and compassion.  I don't feel disconnected and alone in my disease like I did before I found this forum.

When I want to give up I am reminded that others have felt the same way...and they give me the hope and encouragement to continue onwards.

Thank you all for all that you've done for me.

[avidreader]

I take my shot at about 9:00 pm on Saturday. My original thinking was that would give me Saturday to be myself, Sunday to recover and Monday back to work. As it turns out, with the exception of the very first shot (flu like chills in the middle of the night) the sides from the Peg have been neglible. A few weeks ago, I was out of town on shot night and had to drive 5 hours through a snow and ice storm (normally a 2 hour drive)stopping to give myself a shot an hour into the drive.I had brought a friend as a driver along with me, but it turned out she was terrified of driving in the snow. Go figure.

I find the RIBA to be much more debilitating and it definitely creeps up on you as time goes on. I just did shot 30/48 and have actually had a decent week--full week at work, plenty of activity, but I've learned the hard way not to read too much into it or overdo anything.

I joined this forum to gather information and opinions and have learned so much from the people on this board. I ignore the occasional personality firestorms--posting onto a website is not always the most effective way to convey feelings and attitudes and sometimes I'm afraid it's easy to get caught up in arguments that just go on and on and on and on. There are a lot of different opinions on this board and that is what I like about it. I visit lots of other boards, but this is the one I return to consistently.

Good luck to you in your treatment journey--from what I hear, the fear of starting is often one of the hardest parts for people.

Tracy

[cao]

I continue to lurk after treatment (and came during treatment) b/c it helps me to feel considerably less alone. I have a wonderfully supportive family and friends, but don't know anyone else that is dealing with or has dealt with HCV.  I love having a place where I can feel connected to others in similar circumstances:)

[strator]

I come here for the experience and knowledge of others. The suggestions are all here for me to pick and choose from. Regardless of personalities or bonds, I have the option to try and decide what is best for me. I come here to share my own experience which helps me get out of my own selfish little world. And some days DAGNABBIT, I just come here regardless of whether the board is discussing SVR, the Rolling Stones, or each others little quirks, opinions, hopes and fears -cause I just don't feel so alone. Doesn't matter that much whether there's a beautiful sense of harmony that day or a down and out spittin match. Lookin in here gives me a minute to disperse my load or share someone else's. Just realising somebody else is sittin across the country in their house, under the same moon above me, is scratchin the same rash, or worried about the same questions and doubts...Sometimes it only take's typin somethin and seein a response, somedays I only have to read. Somedays I only need to know it's here when I get up in the morning, home from work, or while I'm tryin to convince myself to sleep. It's been a place of comfort, caring, 'family' squabbles, absolutely genuine laughs, sadness, and hope. Works for me, I hope it works for all.
Thank you all-each and everyone.
Don

amirtacy-Hi Lady. Look forward to it. When I kissed the anxiety of starting goodbye it felt like I was startin fresh.(It will get old, so enjoy it.) When i took that first shot I was like-'that's it, wow-that went well, I wanna do it again. Course I ain't exactly wrapped well. I can't believe I did #21 last night. Ido mine between 10:30 and midnight, but I don't usually go to bed til 12 or so. Turns out that the day after is usually my most productive day, already put a few hrs on a painting, and just breakin from scrubbin floors. Fisrt couple of shots were more tiring though. Personally once I got rolling I don't think the shot affects my day nearly as much as Ruby Riba. Check in with us, relax, if just another bozo on the bus like me can do it, your golden. Thanks for the Hi.
Smile at tx, I find it's physically impossible to feel bad when your laughin.
Don

[Forseegood]

I come for the knowledge too, also the support...I find it inspiring that so many people can deal with the various side effects of treatment so bravely and with so much dignity...also advanced liver disease...it always gives me the feeling that well, if they can, maybe I can too...I don't get that perspective dealing with a bunch of really healthy people like I do in my normal, day-to-day life...I'll call them the "normies" ha ha ha...

As far as the trouble on this board, I think it might be a function of a "collective unconscious" thing...at the risk of sounding too pretentions...you know when youre sitting in a restaurant near the back, where no one can see you and youre the only one there...and all of a sudden a rush of people all walk in all at the same time? The same thing with a store or someplace else...people seem to feel compelled to do things collectively, in "waves" it seems...

When it really gets tiresome and tedious (and maybe more upsetting- particularly to those on treatment) is when it's near the end of a hostile exchange, and the whole thing is reduced to "I know you are but what am I?" over and over again...with hardly any substance at all to the debate except a bunch of personal attacks....and there will be a lot of threads like this at the same time...then it's like Med Help Junior High...unfortunately, I've contributed to this too though I try to watch it...then there will be certain cries for reason and civility, like dear Mr. B B has done...and it'll go back to being and adult forum till it starts up again...that's when I utilize the old 12 Step credo of take what you need and leave the rest behind...

[Forseegood]

forgot to add this but nothing like stating the obvious...let's face it, some posters are just more "mature" than others...hope everyone is better today and out enjoying the super bowl, if that's what they like...or not, but have a great day whatever youre doing!

thought I'd write a favorite toast..(with fizzy water and cranberry juice nowadays...)

Live everyday as if it were to be your last..for one day...for certain...you will be right!

[beamishboy]

i come because i can....for info,inspiration &support.........in the begining especially,the forum was an absolute lifeline-helped me make it thru the nite