Need Input that I'm not going to get from Dr.

hollyweb · Post by **hollyweb** » Thu Sep 15, 2016 7:17 pm

Dear Erica,

How wonderful to hear about the "real you" coming back to, and embracing, life again! I'm thrilled for you, and so proud of you! You deserve every happiness and have worked hard, mentally, physically and spiritually, to reach every milestone!
:bigbighug:

~ Holly

Post by **tex** » Thu Sep 15, 2016 8:01 pm

Erica,

Nice! Great going!

Thanks for the update.

Hugs,
Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Sep 15, 2016 8:21 pm

Erica
wonderful news that things have improved in your world...

Keep enjoying life
XO

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 8:33 am

Taking a good break from illness always does a body good. Thanks for the update! I was hoping you were out there having fun! Big Love to you Erica!

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 11:12 am

Erica,
So happy to hear! That put a smile on my face and tears in my eyes! News like that really gives me hope and encouragement. I can't wait to be in your place. I know it is coming and just have a few bumps along the way. You take care and enjoy life with your family!

:manynanas:

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:07 pm

Thanks Everyone.....

MC is such an emotional roller coaster...and I didn't want to resort to any kind of 'crutch' such as the cholestyramine but it appears it is the only way for me to live consistently in a more balanced approach to life.

I had to step back from my guns ablazing as far as managing this darn thing and get more perspective about what was going on around me and who it was affecting. Yes it was affecting me a great deal, but I was turning into a whole different person - someone my family was having a hard time identifying with because apparently I was making people uncomfortable based on my situation regardless if I was talking about it or not. Didn't realize I was having that much of an effect on those closest to me....now that I have backed way off, don't talk about 'me' anymore, just go with the flow and do my own thing, order my own food or bring it, or eat it before hand, engage in activities, be as active as I possibly can...I am taking my health into my hands and not portraying that I wish someone would help me get thru this stage of my life...I'll be doing it myself, thank you very much. I kick myself for feeling so damn needy....I'm not dying!!

I realize now that I have stomped, cried, whined, let loose and have probably been a pain on this site too! Thanks for putting up with me....

I really am much better in person

Love you All,
Erica

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:18 pm

Erica,

Those are absolutely such normal feelings.................I had one of those mornings...........things were a little tough at school and just before I left, I walked into the office and just broke down. No particular reason, but in my heart I knew it was the MC coming through (because I only really get really emotional when my health is struggling and I seem to be at that point again right now)...............and this too shall pass once again!

I am so happy for you that you're doing so well and are in such a better place..................that's wonderful news!

I so wish there were a few of us that lived closer to each other so we could have our own support group that could meet monthly or something like that to cry, complain, laugh, share ideas, etc...................but like you, I'm so grateful for this online support group that I couldn't live without!

HUGS!

hollyweb · Post by **hollyweb** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:25 pm

Perhaps in time, we can organize some get-togethers for various locations which wouldn't be too far for those interested to travel. I would love to be part of this! Jari ... I know for me becoming more emotional is definitely a sign to take more magnesium. Maybe that would help you also?

~ Holly

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:45 pm

I thought so too, Holly, but I'm taking a bunch and using oral also.................but maybe I'm using a lot of magnesium also going through this little flare up..........I'm about ready to order the Remag and give it a try after reading about everyone else's success with it......................I'll up my dosage and see what happens. But you are right, when I got my magnesium and D3 in order, my emotions were downplayed and they are up again!

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 8:36 am

Very well said Erica!! I'm going to follow you. I'm tired of making it all about me too! I'm ready for it to be all about my family again! Needy is the word and I hate it! I'm suppose to be taking care of them. I've always been very independent. I'm determined to get back to independence again, starting today!

I start tutoring Monday at my kids school, once a week. I know this is going to be my first step.

Love you guys!!

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 9:15 am

Good for you Martha! We're rooting for you!

I noticed when I was first diagnosed that I totally lost the biggest part of my independent self (and I was really very independent and not afraid to do or take on anything). Then I wouldn't leave the house and so, of course, wouldn't go anywhere. Now, over a year better and tons and tons better, I still search for some of that independence that I lost. This darn disease messes with way more things than just our gut!

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 4:16 pm

thank you so Jari! Don't know what I'd do without the support from you guys. I'm rooting for you too Jari! I've got to get out of the house, lol....

JFR · Post by **JFR** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 6:29 pm

I understand resilience as including being able to adapt to a new normal. There's a kind of balancing act that needs to go on which includes figuring out how to optimize health but also learning how to accept limitations that may not ever entirely disappear. I found that I had to give up the image I had of how I was supposed to be and construct a new image of the kind of person I was now capable of being. This is an ongoing project but I like the person I have become. Although more limited than I once was, I like myself better than the person I used to be. I am kinder, less arrogant, less judgmental of others, all in all a better person. Adversity can teach us a lot if we are willing to learn. Certainly I'm happy now that I can get out of the house without worry, do my grocery shopping without anxiety, walk the dog more than just a few steps from my door but I started feeling more positive about things long before I could stop worrying about leaving the house. I first started feeling more optimistic about things when I stopped thinking "why me?" and instead realized "why not me?" So even if you don't return to the person you used to be the person you become can be a wiser and perhaps even happier person.

Jean

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 7:13 pm

so true Jean. Yes definitely won't be the same. And hoping to embrace that happy, positive person again. I think that person still needs more time, but I have a lot of hope thanks to you all.

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Tue Sep 20, 2016 4:26 pm

Great way of approaching this Jean...I won't be the person I used to be....but I sure am a lot more wiser to the person I don't want to be any longer

I have even met NORMAN a few times recently too....up and down this is how I am rolling now....Bristol 4,5,6, or 7 I will take what I get as long as I am no longer in any pain and those urgent trips to the bathroom never appear again.

Living again.....Love,
Erica