elcamino said...
I have avoided reading this thread, and actually just read it this morning. I guess I do believe the cure is out there, but given my mother's experience I'm not sure it is readily available for me. I'm with Dave on this one. I believe more in making the most of my life today, rather than living for the future alone. Of course I have hope--hope for newer and better treatments, be it traditional or alternative medicine, but I do not even think of this stuff simply going away. I've had it for too long now.
With respect to sympathy pleas, I agree with most others on this forum. I post here because I feel people can better understand here than in my "real-time" world. I've gained much education and information in this forum, much of which has directed my progress with my rheumatologist. But even more than that, as Dave so eloquently mentioned, I've had my psychological and spiritual needs addressed here as well. The psychological and spiritual aspect has a tremendous impact on physical health, and it's something that traditional western medicine does not address. I consider this forum a support group, and a safe place to vent. Yes, I feel guilty sometimes venting here, but the only other people I've addressed my fears (regarding AI disease) with have been my husband and my pastor. I don't really want sympathy; what I personally need is simply to feel like others can understand my situation and that they honestly care. I try to extend that same understanding and concern to others. That is the definition of a support group, and everyone needs support at some point in their life. It is admittedly, difficult to make oneself vulnerable to others, but that's the beauty of an online support group. It's easier for me to be vulnerable online, rather than in my "real-time" life. I value everyone's input. To that end, this forum is a success.
Elcamino
Dear Elcamino,
You sound very wise and also lil conservative.
How old are you ?
I simply keep on my statement for the cure belief not because it is better then the sympathy or sharing hardships. It's simply needed to make us feel like the healthy people. If we are totaly reconciled with the possibility that we shall suffer thru all our lifes with a disease, then we acquire emotional self-underestimation (as we think we are less then the others, others also think like that, a natural law), we would totaly give up on the disease. I am far about to think that sympathy or sharing problems are something bad! I REALY don't think it. Beleive! How could I, if exactly I am those who share/shared so so very very much on this forum for only 2 weeks.
Hope you understand me correctly. My opinion is : It's not about not to share or sympathy, it's about to talk about the cure sometimes, more frequently then it is now;)))))