Counting my blessings

I am new to HealingWell and over the last couple of days since joining I have spent HOURS reading posts on the forum.  I am so happy that I found this site!  I had never heard of HealingWell and I found it by accident while researching Imuran.  I joined so on my doctor's advice as I said in my first post. 

After reading the issues that plague all of us, I came to realize how very fortunate I am.  For one, I live in Canada and my healthcare coverage is awesome.  I don't pay for doctors, specialists, surgeries, etc.  And, through my job now, I have extended benefits so 80%  of my meds are covered  Before my coverage with my job, I was still fortunate in that we have what is called "Fair Pharmacare" for our prescriptions so that helped out as well especially since my meds were costing as much as $400/month depending on how ill I was. 

The second but MOST important thing that I am so grateful for is that I have an incredible husband, the BEST friend in the world (I have a very funny story about her when I had to prep for my last scope), amazing friends, and a very supportive family.  Even though I am sure that they all get tired of listening to me, seeing me so tired, dealing with my mood swings (thanks, prednisone!), and everything else that may come up with me, all of them are wonderful.  My sister-in-law also has UC so I am also fortunate that my husband's family is very educated on the disease and everyone in his family understands what we go through and they are all so supportive, empathetic, sympathetic and compassionate.   

The third thing that I am grateful for is my doctor.  She is very thorough and on top of everything with me, extremely demanding of my specialists, and very understanding of my personality and my need to question EVERYTHING!  She also knows that the littlest thing can send me "over the edge"!  I am also grateful that she suggested an online support group to help me so I am also now grateful to all of you for being here. 

One of my childhood friends is battling cancer right now.  I honestly don't remember her ever not being in my life.  This is her third go around with cancer.  She is four months younger than me, has four children, and is losing her battle as we speak.  It was originally colon cancer and she has fought valiantly.  This time around, she has chosen to not go through the chemo and to leave it up to God.  I am amazed at her courage, her faith, and above all, her amazing spirit. 

So, as I sit here, in pain, extremely fatigued, scared of the undiagnosed issues I have at this time, feeling sorry for myself, battling the depression that I am in for the first time in my life, I realize that I really am fortunate.  Yes, I have a rotten disease.  Yes, it does at times rule my life.  Yes, it sucks.  But a song by Nickelback comes to mind and the lyrics run through my head.....

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

I refuse to "live with UC".  It can live with me! 
 

Thank you for the inspiration BCGIRl It is not often we forget we have U/C but all to often we neglect to remember those we have lost...
"Count your blessings" for sure, tonight I will...Thanks

Susie and anyone here... you have good reason to complain, be scared and please stop comparing yourself to others to disallow you the "priviledge" to feel crappy.

Yes, keep it in perspective, but you know, it is what it is.

Why is it always all or nothing.

Balance comes in all forms and we can live with the plusses and the negatives....

q

BCGirl... I don't think Quincy was thinking that you were implying that people should not complain, feel scared, etc.... I have been pretty down in the dumps lately... She was just reminding me and whoever else who might feel like I do to keep things in perspective.. I think I sort of lose that when I feel especially bad... To me what she means is that it's ok to complain, but I shouldn't wallow in complaining... Keep it in balance... I am entitled to feel bad and feel good as is everyone... I enjoyed reading your post and you are right about making it easier to battle your way back when you think like that when you are really sick..

Your post plus Quincy's comment has put me in a better place, even though I DO still feel like crap... lol... :)

Counting our blessings even in what seems like the worst of time is most important...as I have found things can get much much worse by getting additional serious illnesses, and then even worse. Faith helps me get through some of my most painful periods. Hang int there it will all work out. : )