> I have surgery scheduled in PA in March. Even if I am not physically
> dying, sometimes I feel that I am. So many parts of me die everyday it
> seems for of all that I have had to give up with ARD...this is not
> living to me...this is why surgery with the right doctors is the answer
> for me.
As I read the posts each day, I wonder how we can overcome a sense of hopelessness. I know from my experiences with cancer and with others who have cancer, that hopelessness and helplessness can destroy.
For some, surgery seems to be a hope -- the right surgeon, the right technique. And if Dr. Gerhart's experience is right, this may help about 2/3 of carefully chosen patients.
However, I think many of us have to look other places for hope and help. Support helps, I think. I see many people finding new energy as they write to this list.
Diet helps, and we can share the things that work to prevent additional pain from obstruction or constipation.
Gratitude for the good days and the good things helps me a lot. Enjoying what I can, learning to live a quieter, more peaceful life has helped more than I can say.
Sharing our stories helps.
What helps you?
Kate
-- Kate Murphy katemm@mindspring.com