*Asking For Support*

[BlackCashmere]

Not doing so well tonight. In alot of pain. My main appointment is tomorrow for the doctor to find out what they will do with me. Medication I am on has some wicked side effects that are making sleep damn near impossible. Trying to stay positive.

(((((((((( BIG HUGS ))))))))))...I am so sorry...Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing...

Bless you...

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Blood seems to be doing well except for platelets. They're down by half but my doc says sometimes they are slower to respond to treatment. Going back on Monday but looks like I am alright.

 

[stu_gats_2000]

Blood seems to be doing well except for platelets. They're down by half but my doc says sometimes they are slower to respond to treatment. Going back on Monday but looks like I am alright.

I wish you well and hope you can recover as quick as possible.

 

[badjanus]

I hope you turn the corner soon... Sending you love and best wishes

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Side question:

This is something I am finding that I am dealing with more and more. I know a few of you have conveyed to me your similiar experiences with different illnesses. What I wanted to ask if how you dealt with the anger? You can skype or PM me if this is too personal but it is something I am having a hard time with. My whole life goes on hold when my condition becomes unstable. I don't like having that kind of anger in me, just feels wrong.

 

[afriquemystique]

Side question:

This is something I am finding that I am dealing with more and more. I know a few of you have conveyed to me your similiar experiences with different illnesses. What I wanted to ask if how you dealt with the anger? You can skype or PM me if this is too personal but it is something I am having a hard time with. My whole life goes on hold when my condition becomes unstable. I don't like having that kind of anger in me, just feels wrong.

Thinking of you Siren x

 

[codex954]

Side question:

This is something I am finding that I am dealing with more and more. I know a few of you have conveyed to me your similiar experiences with different illnesses. What I wanted to ask if how you dealt with the anger? You can skype or PM me if this is too personal but it is something I am having a hard time with. My whole life goes on hold when my condition becomes unstable. I don't like having that kind of anger in me, just feels wrong.

Having some anger is a normal part of any illness, and I think it's maladaptive to always try to brush it aside or pretend it isn't there. However, it's just as maladaptive to let it overtake your life.

A few years ago, I struck up a conversation with a patient that I saw in the emergency room. I don't even recall what she came in with, but I distinctly remember that she was blind. I asked her how her blindness had affected her life, and she said that for a long while after she became blind, she was angry and devastated by it. But then she added, "I realized one day that no amount of anger in the world was going to bring my sight back. The only thing my anger was doing was making me feel even worse. In this life, you can choose to be upset or you can choose to be happy. I choose to be happy."

What she said really stuck with me. I'd been having a shitty day at the time (or what I initially thought had been a shitty day), and then here I meet this woman who still found joy in life despite losing something as precious as her eyesight. It's true that bad things happen to us, and oftentimes these things are beyond our ability to prevent or control. But what we can always control is how we choose to respond to a situation.

In a situation like yours, Siren, I think you're completely justified in feeling angry - to an extent. You're definitely on the right track by acknowledging that the anger is there, and that it's not making you feel any better. By shifting the focus from what you can't change (i.e., the fact that you have AIHA) to what you can change (doing things to reduce the anger), you define your illness, rather than letting it define you. Talking with people you care about is a way to lighten the load, and getting help from someone outside of the situation (like a counsellor) can also be beneficial. If your condition confines you to being largely bed or house bound when it's unstable, ue that time to do the things you enjoy that are less physically taxing (reading, watching movies, whatever you do to relax). Volunteering with others, whether it be the elderly, children, homeless, or any other population you choose, can be very rewarding and also give you different perspectives on how people deal differently with hardship. Take things one day at a time (or one hour or minute at a time, if you have to), and do the best that you can, because that's all anyone - including yourself - can ask of you.

 

[codex954]

Also, here are more kittens:

http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/ashleeholmes/default/cutest-kittens-ever--large-msg-13442775494.jpg

http://kittybloger.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/15-really-cute-kittens-9.jpg?w=550

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYtYmVO-Uw0Sw1Oks18XUYk0tD95fCU9LlXxGCOI7sKewcPEBQHQ

http://stuffpoint.com/kittens/image/182897-kittens-cute-kitten.jpg

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAyaFYdoWiLKhq2wfh9luX3muJcxImO0tjKhQIVJvRJN_r_0y0

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBWMxTJYr0snoQwrngEgdT3SHOrR2scgSl9f3akU8DKvRTp0ZO9Q

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzQMuka99Oh2Lsbf5W2WRdMsUGZiCQ2c_2njXxwNugxyYwlEuz2w

 

[TheNiteSiren]

I could just hug you...*giggles at the kitties* Someone gave a suggestion today that has been repeated by others. I lack alot in companionship, especially when things are bad here so they thought I should try a pet. I plan on looking into it. Maybe if i am not alone so much, it will be better for me.

 

[heartlessbytch]

Sometimes anger helps you get where you need to get, throw things, scream, yell, just remember that most anger has more to do with fear and if you were not scared right now, I would be worried. I do understand how you feel, the anger comes and goes, the more answers I get, the more I understand the anger and fears lessen.

Being alone does not help, I have a dog who is constantly by my side when I feel the worst, when I start feeling better he gives me more space. Now I have a new pup, the two of them help me stop thinking about what sucks in my life, cause now I have to focus on their needs.

Hugs, just keep doing what the doctor's say, things have been getting better for you, even though there have been some setbacks. I am here for you and always have you on my prayer list.

 

[Noor]

Anger- walk, swim<you can pound the water, paint it, play endless games of online mahjong and backgammon until you can play them without thinking, journal it, wash things, clean the house, search everything about my condition.

It's not worth really dwelling on it past a certain point because unless you can use the anger as some sort of motivator, it is wasted energy you could be using to fight and get better. At some level you have to just accept where you are and make plans to get beyond it.

 

[BlackCashmere]

Having some anger is a normal part of any illness, and I think it's maladaptive to always try to brush it aside or pretend it isn't there. However, it's just as maladaptive to let it overtake your life.

A few years ago, I struck up a conversation with a patient that I saw in the emergency room. I don't even recall what she came in with, but I distinctly remember that she was blind. I asked her how her blindness had affected her life, and she said that for a long while after she became blind, she was angry and devastated by it. But then she added, "I realized one day that no amount of anger in the world was going to bring my sight back. The only thing my anger was doing was making me feel even worse. In this life, you can choose to be upset or you can choose to be happy. I choose to be happy."

What she said really stuck with me. I'd been having a shitty day at the time (or what I initially thought had been a shitty day), and then here I meet this woman who still found joy in life despite losing something as precious as her eyesight. It's true that bad things happen to us, and oftentimes these things are beyond our ability to prevent or control. But what we can always control is how we choose to respond to a situation.

In a situation like yours, Siren, I think you're completely justified in feeling angry - to an extent. You're definitely on the right track by acknowledging that the anger is there, and that it's not making you feel any better. By shifting the focus from what you can't change (i.e., the fact that you have AIHA) to what you can change (doing things to reduce the anger), you define your illness, rather than letting it define you. Talking with people you care about is a way to lighten the load, and getting help from someone outside of the situation (like a counsellor) can also be beneficial. If your condition confines you to being largely bed or house bound when it's unstable, ue that time to do the things you enjoy that are less physically taxing (reading, watching movies, whatever you do to relax). Volunteering with others, whether it be the elderly, children, homeless, or any other population you choose, can be very rewarding and also give you different perspectives on how people deal differently with hardship. Take things one day at a time (or one hour or minute at a time, if you have to), and do the best that you can, because that's all anyone - including yourself - can ask of you.

Outstanding post...very well said and so thoughtful...you are really so wonderful to take the time to put so much heart in helping another soul...

Bless you...

 

[BlackCashmere]

I could just hug you...*giggles at the kitties* Someone gave a suggestion today that has been repeated by others. I lack alot in companionship, especially when things are bad here so they thought I should try a pet. I plan on looking into it. Maybe if i am not alone so much, it will be better for me.

I think a pet would bring you so much love and comfort...a constant companion who will love you like no other...and give you a new purpose to focus on...

I think of you often...and pray for comfort, peace, balance and immense blessings to float your way...

 

[BlackCashmere]

Also, here are more kittens:

http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/ashleeholmes/default/cutest-kittens-ever--large-msg-13442775494.jpg

http://kittybloger.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/15-really-cute-kittens-9.jpg?w=550

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYtYmVO-Uw0Sw1Oks18XUYk0tD95fCU9LlXxGCOI7sKewcPEBQHQ

http://stuffpoint.com/kittens/image/182897-kittens-cute-kitten.jpg

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAyaFYdoWiLKhq2wfh9luX3muJcxImO0tjKhQIVJvRJN_r_0y0

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBWMxTJYr0snoQwrngEgdT3SHOrR2scgSl9f3akU8DKvRTp0ZO9Q

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzQMuka99Oh2Lsbf5W2WRdMsUGZiCQ2c_2njXxwNugxyYwlEuz2w

These pics are PRECIOUS...Especially the one with the Tiara...I know someone who would especially LOVE that one...too cute...