ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: jaylogs on March 28, 2012, 06:25:35 am
-
Hello all...so I've been on this "wonderful" AN journey for about 2 1/2 years. During all this time I've been a part of this discussion forum and have definitely reaped the rewards of the caring and sharing people that are here to support one another. But, yesterday here in Phoenix I went to my very first face-to-face support group meeting...with real live people and everything!! :) Seriously, it was kind of strange being in the same room with so many people who all have something in common with me. My wife went with me as well, I really wanted her to go with me so she can maybe gain some more insight into what it is like to be in our shoes. Because really, even though I am a postie, that journey didn't stop as soon as the last stitch was tied off in my head. It still continues and I and would venture to say that it still continues for a lot of people as well. So, while this discussion forum is a wonderful resource and a safe and comfortable place where a person can ask questions and vent if they need to, I would suggest if you have the time and resources (and of course a suitable location) that you attend a local AN support group should the notice pop up here on the forum (there's a special section here on the board devoted to just that!)
I got to meet a few people, one guy who's still deciding what to with his AN, and another lady who's a postie. There were more posties there than not, but it was a good mix of people. The meeting started off with the former president of ANA (for the life of me her name escapes me) and she highlighted the symposium that was held in Cinci this last year (she's from there). Then we had a local doctor from The Barrow Neurological Institute talk about hearing aids, including the Soundbite...I got to see the display model of it...very interesting. One interesting thing I learned about Soundbites is that you must have excellent hearing in the good ear, or it just won't work.
So that's my report...again, if you can get to a support meeting I would highly recommend you do so. Any questions or comments please post them! Thanks to all if you have made it all the way through this lengthy post! :)
Jay
-
Jay
Totally agree! I attend as many local ANA Support group meetings as possible (plus organize the local brunches ..... see the thread in AN Community). The opportunity to meet other AN'ers can be so beneficial, especially for those that are in watch/wait. To see/meet others, first hand, that walk in our shoes and to see first hand that we are not alone, can mean so much. I know it did for me.
Thanks for sharing this! *raises hand* I totally agree with you!
Phyl
-
Jay and Phyl,
I agree as well, today I attended my first NYC ANA meeting today and it was awesome! Nice to know there are some other people to share stories and advice with. Miranda and Lauren did a great job as group leaders. The topic was yoga and relaxation through deep breathing given by Amy Defilippi. At NYU Medical Center in Manhattan.
It is great to share experiences and histories and not to feel so alone in this!
This forum is great!
Mike
-
Wonderful post, Jay.
Only want to add one thing.
Support the ANA through a donation if you can afford to. The ANA is a small non-profit organization that exists because of charitable contributions.
Your donation will go to a good cause - an example, is funding this Forum which is free to all of us - and in addition, it's tax deductible.
Jan
-
Aye-men! It helps to keep these forums up and running... as well as everything else the ANA provides to us... which, in my case, I couldn't have done without during my initial days (and even now) of my AN journey.
Phyl
Wonderful post, Jay.
Only want to add one thing.
Support the ANA through a donation if you can afford to. The ANA is a small non-profit organization that exists because of charitable contributions.
Your donation will go to a good cause - an example, is funding this Forum which is free to all of us - and in addition, it's tax deductible.
Jan
-
I attended my first support group meeting just 2 days after being diagnosed. Talk about good timing. The people there really helped put me at ease and it was nice to know that i as not alone.
-
Hi,
March 31 was the Springfield, Mass meeting and we had 14 attend. Thanks for continued support.
LisaP 8)