Re: Coping with chronic Illness - by an MSer -- good read

http://www.alpineguild.com/COPING%20WITH%20CHRONIC%20ILLNESS.html
ROSE wrote -
something that caught my eye that i'd never thought about before -- the
people who isolate themselves are often the people who'd been the most
independent before their illness. because when you're used to being able
to handle things, come through in a crisis, and are the go-to-guy for
everyone *else* in your life who's having problems....that confusing
loss of the sense of who you are makes you unwilling to let people see
you in your weakest moments.
I know Rose -
the hardest thing capable independent people have to do is ask for help
--- it somehow seems to feel "wrong" in their own eyes that they can no
longer do it all by themselves ---
I found TG that people are more than happy to help -- and feel pleased
that they can actually DO something constuctive ---
***************************************************
Rose wrote -
i always enjoy reading articles that manage to avoid being
doom-and-gloom without sugar-coating the very real problems involved
with M.S. and other chronic illnesses. it's a more difficult tightrope
to walk than many would believe, and kudos (or other granola bars of her
choice) to Doc Joanne for doing it so well.

YES - Rose - She walked that "fine line" well -
I was happy to see that too --- did you know that YOU also do that in
your writing ?
I am so far past the place where I even imagine life "going back to
normal" -- it actually comforts me more to read straightforward advice
on where to go from here -- and how will we get there ---
I think she did well -- someday I will read her book and tell about it
--

I wish you many blessings this holiday season - for all good things ---
Dove

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