Thank You All

I personally want to take this morning to send thanks out to those forum members both new and veteran, who contribute selflessly their precious time, share their knowledge, and extend support and advice without ill motives.
It keeps us healthly.

When we are down in the outs, faced with confrontation, limitated or in pain, or simply sharing good times and new info, you are all here in one way or another.

This speaks to your genuine character and nature and real passion for the health of our forum family and each other. I'm proud to be apart of your lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you today and always,
-Shell

[figuerpa]

Shell,

I agree 100%. This forum has been a blessing for me. All the support and advice has helped me in so many ways.

I use to get up every morning and log into facebook, now I get up and log onto medhelp. It is amazing how this site has boosted my spirits and let me know that I am not alone in this struggle.

Words can not describe what I have found here in this forum, I found another family here and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Paula

[Sparkysarah]

You are all awesome and a completely mad bunch of slightly nutty wonderful people who have the gift of being there for each other.

Love Sarah x

[jujuminx]

I feel exactly the same Shell.  Don't know where I would be without this wondeful forum and incredible group of new friends

The amount of time and energy some people devote to all of us is touching and speaks volumes about where they place their priorities.  We all benefit and grow from the knowledge and friendship.

Julie

[Ginosmommy]

I also want to thank all of you, without you I would be uneducated and feel all alone with this MiSerable disease. I can always find just what I am looking for on here and if I am not in the mood to ask the question it seems that someone else has just had the same problem and the "family" has come to the rescue and answered it perfectly 10x over.

The cyber hugs are the best also :) Thanks for starting this Shell - it put a smile on my face, even though I don't often contribute this is my one and only forum and I don't know where I would be without it!

MeLissa

[Guitar_grrrl]

Big hugs and blessings to all here.  You all have been a tremendous help, even when I just lurk for a few minutes at a time.  The Health Pages are fabulous, and I refer back to them often.  But it's your own stories/rants/questions that I identify with.  I may not say much, but you're all wonderful.  What a family we have!

[Zacksmomi]

I'll drink to that...though it is a protein smoothie... but cheers!

I have said it more than once now, I actually blame this forum for the fact that I have not yet been qualified for Social Security.  Without this forum I would be certifiably insane :)  
There is no where I have found such compasionate, understanding, and knowledgable people.  I always find someone here with the same problem or fear.  It helps so much to connect with others.

Thank you Shell for posting this
Giant group cyber hug

[Csativa]

Hi Shell,

This is very well said.  I could comment at length (but lucky everyone, I really am exhausted today LOL).  Along with the other supports in my life, this Forum has come to play a significant positive role in helping me to deal with the medical issues that plague us all (at times more-so than others).  

In my opinion, communication in a Forum such as this is not always easy.  There is obviously a lot to say about the absence of direct communication.  But this is not to say it can't be done or there is no value in it.  Take a Forum such as this, throw in people with broken bodies, broken minds, pain & suffering, anxiety, stress and the 1000 other poopy things we have to deal with (my wife says I have an anal obsession LOL), and, well, it takes “some doing”at times, to  “listen” to what people are saying.  

I think we are all in a grieving process, and I am not sure if it really ever ends.  Along with it are the  obvious good and bad days which influence our thoughts and feelings and the manner in which we say, write and interpret things.   It's hard to articulate, but I try to focus on and try to understand what I am thinking and feeling when I write, and visa versa.  In the short time I have been here I personally have not experienced/felt anything but acceptance and good will.

In short, I have come to value the support, understanding and compassion, etc., that this community offers in what to me, sometimes feels like a rotten, miserable, stinking, existence (thank God those days are few and far between LOL).

Okay! Enough rambling for now.
Frank

[jensequitur]

There's a lot of benefit in a forum like this - shared knowledge helps all of us.  I've learned a lot about the disease right here, from this bunch of wonderful people.

[michelleislay]

yes, agreed completely!  

i feel so lucky to have happened upon this forum.  i just said it at the bottom of my addition to the post thanking quix for all of her dedication and humour here and i'll say it again,
It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it--i feel this forum helps me to carry my load in the best possible way, preventing me from breaking down!!!

thanks to all!!!

xo michelle

[Wobbly]

this forum is a great place to check things out and get information.  It's a place where we understand each other and can chat about anything that is on our minds and ask questions that might be bothering us.

thank to all my friends here on the forum

wobbly

[RedFlame]

I agree with everything that has already been said.

The first thing I do each morning is log into our website and see what is happening.  I always want to check to see if someone is in crisis.  And then it is also good to

Every single person here is important to me.  And I feel very cared for here.  It's really an amazing thing that we have here.

thank you to all

Red

[johnniebear]

My wife have the greatest respect for this forum.

We have shared & we have learned so much from those that share with all of us
For this we are so greatful..



And as far as best answer I never click on that !!

thanks John

[meg321]

That was so sweet..even if i am not always writing, i will be reading.  But no matter what I always know you are all here for me..

I cant read the long messages well lately...but i can read short messages !!
Been away for a few days for one reason or another. But .have checked in..

now i am am going to cry..i do love all of you and would not know what to do without this forum...

hugs, meg

[Lulu54]

Oh Meg, pass the tissue box and we can all wipe a tear or two.  

This is a truly special place and has a spot in my heart that can't quite be explained.  It was just about two years ago that I landed here - worried and searching not so much for answers but  comfort on my dx journey and I found it in abundance.  You've never let me feel alone.

All of you are the best - I'm happy to spend my time with you.
hugs, Lulu

[Quixotic1]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting the emphasis where it belongs - on EVERYONE who spends their time and energy here to help others!

My hat's off to all of you!

GROUP HUG

Quix

[Sarahsmom46]

This is truly an amazing group for sure.  I can personally say that many of you have helped me get through some tough times and good times too.  I hope I have given back and helped someone too.  

Do you know how much this forum and all of you mean to me?  When I get on the forum every day the first thing I do is check all the posts to see what's up with everyone. I don't go to my profile to see if there are any notes or messages, or write a message on my mood or even do a journal entry/tracking entry. Nope, that can wait till I check in on you guys first.  

I feel very fortunate to be amongst really wonderful and caring people and I thank you all too for the part that each of you play in creating this bond of friendship.  

Thanks Shell for posting your feelings from the heart.

Juilie

[Sumanadevii]

There is a home like feeling when first coming to the board.  I found people reaching out to help me from my first post.  I intent to stay and return that favor.  I especially want to help the person without a diagnose.  How frightening it is not to know.  

[PastorDan]

Yeah, what y'all said.  All y'all for those of you in certain regions.

I've been AWOL a good bit lately, but it's not from any lack of wanting to be here with all you wonderful folks.  May God be with you, however you perceive Him.

[essdipity]

We have great information on this forum. It's possible to get that elsewhere (if we dig hard enough), but we are unlikely to find such understanding,  good feelings and friendship anywhere else on the web.

That's why I joined here almost 3 years ago, and that's why I stay. It takes the whole forum to create its personality, and I have to say it's a great one.

Hugs all round,
ess

[Heather3418]

You said it so well. (as usual...I love you, girlfriend)  I thank God for Quix (Quizzle Sticks) for finding me on the Neurology Forum and inviting me here to the MS Forum, where I found I belonged.  Some of us have been here for a long time and have been through so much together.  Everyday we build new friendships on this Forum.  Thank the Lord above for that.  And many thanks to all of our CO-CL's.  Without them, we would be lost.  Thanks girls.  I love you dearly.

It seems that we get the most compassionate and loving people on this Forum.  They pour out their hearts and support to everyone here.  This Forum has been a god-send. It's so full of information that I have never really understood from articles on MS or books written about MS.  I would rather hear from people that are actually living with MS or those going through the sometimes long process of diagnosis.

Ever since I joined this Forum over two years ago, I knew I would never walk alone again.

Thank you to everyone.  All of you are still what I call, "Angels with Invisible Wings."  God love you all.  The best group on the Internet....

Heather

[Audrey_M]

Heather, I couldn't agree with you more in terms of "The best group on the Internet".

This forum has such a mix of everything and I learn something everyday. It is also one of the most active, tightly knit communities in all the forums on this site. I've posted in other forums and see no real activity. Here, usually just one bump will get at least one response.

So what I have gained from this community?

A tremendous amount of medical knowledge and tips to assist me with doctor's visits and tests.

Support from others, whether it be sx or personal issues.

Insight into what I can and cannot do to deal with some of my sx, based on the experiences of others.

Gratitude to, and admiration of, others for having the courage to share some intimate details of traditionally "unmentionable" topics that open the door for others to know that they are not alone and to break down barriers and share their own experiences as well.

A huge feeling of camaraderie. This group is so tight in supporting one another and also welcoming of newcomers with open arms and hugs. The personalities are so diverse, yet the group is so cohesive. You all give so many hugs! When we are feeling low, nothing feels better than a hug.

A deepened sense of compassion and empathy, along with the opportunity to express it.

I've just recently restarted the journey 6 months ago to dx symptoms that have been with me for more than 8 years. As I go further along the process with Dr.s and my sx seem not to abate, I spend more time on this forum. It is a great place for me, where I can both give and take.

Thank you all for making this such a great place!

Audrey

P.S.- I too never vote for a best answer. Wish that they would get rid of it!

[sllowe]

Need I say more....

Simply the best....better than all the rest, hmmmm who sang that song?

Love ya's!

[supermum_ms]

I actually think there is something uniquely special about this forum, an all in type of mentality that holds us all together. I say unique because other topic forums dont seem to have the same flavour or bonded friendships. I've tried to put my finger on what that flavour is and it seems that here we really do listen to each other, and care!

I really believe what keeps me coming back day after day, is much more than the MS journey and knowing that someone else understands. It's each of YOU that brings me back, i can think of no other reason but YOU!

Cheers.......JJ

[Erin0313]

Shell,

   Hi! I don't know if I missed something (like usual, lol) or if today is a SPECIAL day but I just wanted to to say thank you for all of your support here.

You are a doll and I smile when I see your posts pop up. So for whatever reason you chose to say thanks - back at you!!!

Hugs,
Erin :)

[mokibear]

I may not post much any more but I still read up on everyone. I've been with this forum a long time now and can't say enough for the wonderful care and support everyone here brings.

I don't really belong here anymore being a permanent limbo lander but I know that I still can pop in when something is going on and everyone is quick to be there. I mean where else can you go and have someone like Quix start a bedtime story when I was having a bad night and everyone else jump on board and made it such an incredible story.

I've made some incredible friends here and I thank each and everyone one of you for always being there. This forum is the best!!!!

Hugs
Moki

[twist330]

just to add - the forum has been so supportive to me. It has kept me saine. I have asked many questions, and there is always some one there. I have never found a place like like this before.

So thank you all.

[rendean]

I know I'm late to the party, again. So many people have said what I would have said  sometimes better so I'll just say "Ditto" to the all of the above. If my brain wasn't on vacation without me I would add more but theis forum is truly thebest!! Huge thank-yous and hugs to EVERYONE for their input and efforts to making the forum the best there is.

Ren

[Eyesnlegs]

Yes same from me - you guys are all wonderful. I don't contribute as much as I would like as my work is stressful and I also commute there which takes a lot of time, so my days are long, I have also not been very good this year. I am sure my fellow UKer's will also agree that often the time difference can affect what you can reply to.

Well, my excuses sound pretty pathetic don't they - as I know so many of you suffer so much more than me and still contribute here.

So I would like to add my thanks and a thank you to Shell for highlighting this. I have had times when without you guys I don't even want to think about where I would be and you have given advice, time and comfort when needed.

I'm with Quix group hug and mutual back slapping (gently) is called for.

Love you all
Pat x

[doni54]

I am in complete agreement with all of you!!  I don't make it on here much anymore but I think this is a wonderful place, with some of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever met!!  

I don't know what I would have done without this forum when I first suspected my health problems might be MS.  Still don't have a definite dx, but this forum, and the special people here have helped me through a lot of bad times.

I have made some wonderful, life long friends here that I love dearly and I'm just so grateful and blessed to have found this special place.

Thank you to everyone and I'll join in on that group hug!!!!

Love,
doni

[debgen]

I have just discovered this forum and I am so excited to finally be in touch with so many fellow MSers! I don't feel so alone now! I have had MS for almost 30 years now. It began with a major attack when I was 27 years old. I had a one year old baby boy. The attack came on very strong strong and quick. There were' t any MRI's then. Within 3 days I was completely paralyzed (all 4 limbs) I was dx with ADEM and after one month in the hospital I was transferred to a rehab clinic where I stayed for 3 months :( Luckily I have a super supportive hubby. I went through lots of PT and was able to walk again. I recovered enough to have another beautiful son, finish my masters degree and continue to teach special ed. For 23 years. I have had left sided weakness ever since my first attack so I have been walking with a limp ever since. About 4 years ago things began to get worse. My left leg was becoming very stiff and having foot drop. I began PT again & went back to a near. After MRI's and LP I was dx with RRMS. Since then I had to retire on disability (am now 55) I have begun taking Copaxone this year as well as baclofen. Unfortunately my walking has gotten so laborious that walking is difficult. I am very depressed and feeling truly disabled :( I continue with PT and work out daily. Thanks for letting me tell my story. I am truly looking forward to being part of this forum family!
:) Debsgen

[Lulu54]

Hi Debsgen, welcome .  I am so glad you found us here - often though, people won't read these older posts so I hope you will take the time to start a new thread and introduce yourself, again.  It sounds like you have been through quite a bit.  We talk about disability retirement, depression, efficacy of treatments and anything else that might grab your attention or your needs.

Thank you for finding this old thread- it has some wonderful people adding their thoughts about this special place.  Almost everyone feels that way once they stop through here.  I hope we'll see you often.

[sllowe]

Welcome, Debgen. I too am glad you found us and especially through this discussion - it's a great display of who we are, and why we are here.

Very much looking forward to meeting you - coming back paralysis, you can share so much of your journey with us, and now the MS dx.

Please look for the post a question button on the main forum if you've not found it already, and repeat this post you left us here. Hollar if you cannot find it.
Thanks for joining us.
-Shell