Posted by susan C on May 1, 2003, at 21:20:32
In reply to Re: follow up (long post), posted by paxvox on May 1, 2003, at 20:28:37
There are many things we all do now to heal our lives. I go to the doctor, I have one I literally trust with my life; i take medicine, that helps, but, not completely; I try to eat well and manage the stress in my life; I have actively worked to surround myself with people who are understanding and supportive. It started when I found this site.
That was in late 1999 or 2000 I cant remember exactly, At the time I was unable to function. I was rapid cycling dramatically, with the downside being the most difficult. I was a recluse. I started to post and when I got replies that were so thoughful, I posted more. It gave me a platform. I remember thinking, I can take this or leave it. Any time I need to talk to someone, there is someone, sitting here in my living room. Time went by. I got to the point where even if I wasn't feeling all that great, at least I knew the signs/symptoms and could manage some. and I joined a group of women with the local parks department that do recreational things. I started walking twice a week. Often there was only myself and one or two others. It was often difficult to talk. Some days I wasn't sure I could make it out the door, but I knew my friend would be coming to pick me up (I don't drive), so out the door I went. After the walk, I felt different.
Time went by, and I added medication last september and began to feel better. It isn't wonderful. I know all times will never be great, tho sometimes are. I now know many wonderful people through the recreational group. I started going back to a club I had been attending before. When I showed up, at the beginning of the meeting, they introduced me, explaining I had been gone for several years due to illness. Everyone clapped.
Yesterday, I took a group of 8 on the train to a nearby city to the museum. I arranged it, bought the tickets, lead them through the big city to the museum and got them home again. I was the tour director, they called me "mom". This was the second time I had done this. The first one was a three hour public art walk through part of the city with 12 people. They were so appreciative, I decided that this was going to be my "thing" for the group. They told me this time they were going to "feed me ideas".
Today, I am exhausted. Today I read these posts. and I think of how much things have changed for me in the last year.
I am surrounded in my life with wonderful,thoughful, supportive people. Thank you, all of you.
mouse with her feet up
poster:susan C
thread:221860
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030426/msgs/223739.html