Hello and request for help!

[Guest guest]

Hi to all-

My name is Adrienne & I'm a 31 y.o. with CP for the last 8 years. Some of

you old timers will recognize me. I have spent the last 3 years averaging 1

week/month at the local hospital resort, so it has been hard for mee to keep

up with the posts during that time.

I go to Dr. Lehman and Dr. at Indiana University and had a revised

Peustow/additional resection done last April. I was still throwing up

everything I ate in June, so back I went. Dr admitted me, vowing to

get to the cause of the problem. 5 days later I passed out from low blood

pressure and was not supposed to live. In fact, Dr. and 7 other DR's

from various departments said there is no medical reason for my survival.

In the 8 months since my release I have really thought about my miraclous

recovery and what it means for my life. After much soul searching I have

decided to persue a career in Motavational Speaking. The target would be

teens and young people with life-altering illness and disablilties. I wish

I had someone there for me to help me through this illness. No one learns

how to be chronically sick.

I am in the process of talking to various folks, getting suggestions. If

you don't mind, could you guys help me out?

What information would have been helpful to know about chronic

illnesses/disabilities?

Have you had trouble getting insurance/keeping coverage?

Has anyone addressed the mental health part of the illness, such as coping

skills, meditation, the effects of stress on the body, etc?

What about your life has changed because of the illness?

Are you having a hrad part letting go of the " old " you?

What do you think would help you with the transition?

For those of you who are single - when do you tell a date/boyfriend about

the illness? and for those of you in serious relationships, how does it

affect the relationship?

What about with friends/family?

Why did you seek out a support group? (to learn about pancreatitis, finding

others that understood, strength in numbers (like for political change)?

If there is anything else, or you would be willing to tell me all of your

struggles, I would be most appreciative.

It is my sincere hope that we begin to help people with chronic

illnesses/disabilities by also addressing the psychological side of chronic

pain.

Since the questions are many, please email me personally at adrienne@...

com so we don't take up so much space on the board.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Adrienne Blue