Life after PCS dx

[Guest guest]

Judy, Sam and all,

Welcome to the group and the continuous discussion of how we

should live our lives. I have a friend with diabetes who said,

" The only advantage of having a chronic disease is that it makes

you more serious about taking care of your health. " I would add

that it focuses your attention on what is really important in

your life. After diagnosis you may decide that you need a major

reordering of your priorities or that what you are doing is as

you want it. Either way PSC usually will give you the time to

implement what you decide. Many here have lived the majority of

their adult lives with the knowledge that the complications of

PSC are creeping up on them. Twenty or even ten or five years is

too long to put your life on hold. Some, as Jacquelyn did, have

proceeded against medical advice. But medical advice is cautious

and I believe that life - to be worthwhile - must be bold.

That being said, there is no sense in being reckless. Judy, this

group can help with that. Collectively we have gone through most

of the trials that PSCers face. Knowing the symptoms and how to

communicate problems to medical personnel who may be unfamiliar

with PSC can save you time, frustration and misery.

Best wishes to all in the coming year,

Tim ltx 4/4/98