Daily Struggles

I have been thinking a lot about what we all go through on a daily basis and how this forum plays a part in this.

Some of the struggles we all go through, would be unbearable without the ability to vent our frustrations to our friends here.

We struggle with the medical community, who won't listen to us

We struggle with our family and friends (not on this forum), to understand us

We struggle with trying to get our bodies to work correctly

We struggle with daily pain

We struggle with the depression our health issues bring to us

We struggle with missing the things we've lost because of our health issues

We struggle with not knowing what each day will bring, when it comes to our symptoms

We struggle with wanting to just give up

We struggle with being told it's all in our head, and sometimes we really do think it is, because everyone keeps telling us this

We struggle with the toll it takes on our families because we can't contribute as we once did.

We struggle with insurance companies that don't want to pay for the meds and care we need.

We struggle with how to pay for health care when we don't have health insurance.

We struggle to pay bills, because some of us can't work due to our health problems

We struggle with the guilt that comes from what we percieve to be our lack of contribution to our families.

We struggle with knowing that our minds, which once used to be bright and intelligent, are not what they once were.

We struggle to be as close to the person we once were, so that we don't become lost.


Through all these struggles, and I'm sure I've left out many, we have each other.  Where would some of us be if we hadn't found this forum?  I don't even want to think about where I would be.

I guess the purpose of this post is to thank you, all of you, for being the precious and loving people you are.  You reach out everyday to help others on this forum and give them a helping hand.  Whether it be information or just a quite understanding.

I for one, think this is the most amazing and blessed place, with the most amazing people in the world.  I just want to thank all of you for being who you are and for everything you do to make this forum so special.

Can everyone tell us how they feel about what this forum means to them?

Love and hugs to you all,
doni

[lbradley35]

I just wanted to say this Forum has save my life. It made me realized that I'm not alone, and other are experiencing the same problems I am NOT just with the disease but with spouses, work, bills, etc.

I have met and become friends with the most wonderful and caring people in the world. Although, I have never physically seen most of them....I feel like I have known them for years. All I can say to the members I talk to regularly is that I love you and I hope to continue to pick up new friends daily.

I have received more Support and TRUE concern for myself from the forum members than I have from any friends, co-workers, counselors, etc. Thank you all.

I just stumbled across this site and I never join chat rooms or post on community boards, but I BELIEVE GOD led to this forum....not for myself but for others.

I pray for my forum family everyday and give thanks for the ability to continue to meet great people.

Lori

[mokibear]

I've been with this forum now for over a year and I can say in all honesty that it has been my life line!! I was accepted and supported the first day I came here and for the first time in a long while, I felt that I was no longer alone.

The people on this forum came in like angels and circled around me and lifted me up. For the days I've been down and the days that I'm up, they are always here. For situations that are not MS related they are still here supporting me and helping me through. The words Thank You seem so inadequate.

I have so many wonderful friends because of this forum, friendships that I know will last a life time. I feel so blessed being part of this wonderful community. You are all in my heart. You are all part of my extended family and for that I am so thankful.

Like my good friend Doni, I send my love and hugs to you all
Moki

[Lulu54]

From day one when I stumbled into this community  wondering about the possibility of MS in my body, I have been embraced, comforted, led and pushed ahead.  

You have made my journey less lonely, less frightening, and less intimidating by filling me with companionship, knowledge and courage.  

The dignity and grace with which we can talk, sharing everything including the most undignified parts of this disease, fills me with confidence that I can control this beast and learn to live with it in peace.

Thank you all for taking me in and giving me shelter from this storm  - this truly is a safe haven for all.

May we continue to embrace all who enter this forum seeking assistance.  

Lots of love to everyone tonight and every night,
Laura/Lulu

[saveone]

i don't think I could have described our trials any more eloquently than doni or say what all of you mean to me better than the others.

So thank you for being there

terry

[spitfire989]

Honey you are SO RIGHT!!!---Your "assessment" of all the **** we have to deal with day in and day out is SO TRUE!!!!___And like you and so many others this forum was Heaven Sent!!!__And DEFINATELY for me.---Here I can ask my "goofy" questions, vent or whatever--and NEVER feel Like I'm alone.-----Here on this forum I have something I don't have in my "personal" life; and that is Compassion and Understanding.---- In my "world", I am told by my "family" that they are not happy with it, and with ME cuz I'll be nothing but a  damn  BURDEN to them and I'm told all the time that I will "impede" on their lives,  ANd what a mess I've "created" by "getting sick"!!!   So, yeah, this forum is my release for the pain of what is DRILLED into my "ears" everyday by my so called "family". I can say this though, sometimes the "words" "comments" of what my family drills into me daily, is more painful then the MS.  But, there's not much I can do about that, or what they say to me.--- It's a case of --My ears hear it --and my heart remembers it.----Well, anyhoot---hang in there!---And know we're here FOR YOU!!!