my 2 cents worth

[Guest guest]

I have been monitoring/participating on this list for the past couple of

years. I want to thank all who have contributed to my knowledge of

neurological disorders. As mine is not 'officially' diagnosed, I am still

searching for answers.

I appreciate the sharing of doctor's names, symptoms and their varieties,

all the medical information from journals and all options of care. These

have added to my knowledge base enormously.

I appreciate the sharing of personal histories, both of caregivers and

patients. I think each comes to table with strong assets to share.

I do believe, however, that caregivers and patients also have different

perspectives ... one is living it and one is watching a loved one live it.

I, unlike most on the list, am facing this as one that is 'going it alone'

.... it is a difference that is enormous from having someone to support you

through the day to day deteriorations. Reading what it is like to be a

caregiver has opened my eyes to those issues ... and is helpful in making

personal choices on my part.

My grown children are still attributing symptoms to 'having a heart problem'

or aging ;-]

They really think I am 'unsinkable' so I have stopped 'sharing' .... and am

taking each challenge on a day to day basis ... and hopefully with humor.

So I appreciate the information from Bill and Fisher and Aussie

Annie(my personal heroine and Vera and Sally and Belinda and Aletta and

Pam Bower and Carol Langer, and everyone else who writes and I hope that we

all will continue to benefit from sharing our 'selves' ...

That does take courage sometimes ... to be open ... to share the 'scaries'

..... to share the losses .... to share the lives that we are living ....

but there are so many caring folks on the list, that one just has to know

that each of us is thought well of and cared about ....

Thanks again all ..... and a special thanks to Reilles (sp?) for his

wonderful jokes ..... they make my day .. !!!

cheers

sheila