ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: GM on August 13, 2008, 07:44:24 pm
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I wanted to say thanks to all of you who post regularly. One of the biggest problems for us AN’ers is that the many of those who had successful procedures have ventured off…well away from places like this that are so important to those who are new.
The new people want so desperately to find out information while they try to make such an important decision…and most of those that have really good data have ventured off into living their own lives.
You have stayed…making time for those who are new…sharing your experiences both good and bad. Working, healing, providing encouragement, while sometimes really in need of it yourself…I thank you for all those that are new and are lurking in the sidelines trying to figure all of this out.
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I have no life... thus... I remain here! :D
What a lovely thread, GM! Thanks for sharing this... and you KNOW I send continued wellness wishes to you!!!!!!!!!!
*runs off to find newbies here to see if I can help*
Phyl
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Great thread, GM. I decided early in my adventure that if I survived it, I would hang around and hopefully be able to return the huge gifts that I got through this forum. I sure don't have all the answers, but I do know what it feels like to feel lost, overwhelmed, terrified, and undecided - and I know how great it was for me to have the support of the people on this forum. I hope to be around a long time and to be able to provide some measure of comfort for others who find themselves on this path.
Debbi
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GM~
I had surgery so long ago and there was NOTHING like this for me. I want so much to be able to help & encourage others on the path that I had to travel alone. However, it has been wonderful for me too. Not only do I have the sense that I am helping others in some way, but many of the feelings I have had over the years have been validated!
Thanks to YOU for taking the time to recognize this - there are soo many wonderful and dedicated people here! ;D
K
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I'm more of a lurker than a poster. I mostly hang out at the NF boards but I read here. Hey, I don't have a life either. :P My AN's remain tiny, about 2 mm each as of last year's MRI and I might not even bother with getting one this year. I have gone through about $30,000 in medical bills this year though. I've now got a titanium rod, 4 screws, and a chunck of dead person bone in my neck. Not NF related, just one of them things. I do like reading about everyone's experiences and have gathered a lot of 'just in case' info here. ;D
Mark
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GM:
Allow me to add my appreciation for your recognition of those who are long-time habitué of these forums. Your point is well taken and frankly, seeing another AN patient post a message that informs us of their gratitude for whatever was learned here that benefited that person in their 'AN journey' is more than enough reward. That you took the time to post your personal recognition is doubly rewarding, and I thank you. :)
Jim
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Stay in there GM. Being a newcomer to this forum as I am, I can see the great benefit this forum can have for new AN patients. Take care.
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I'm here for the headache sufferers who don't know what the heck to do. It took me 3 years to figure out that I needed the right meds, a super-specialist, and a pain manager and 5 years to get disability benefits. No one should have to go through that. If I stay on this forum for the next guy or girl who comes along in that same situation, maybe he or she won't have to. Maybe what I went through won't have been for nothing.
I'm also part of the comedy writing team.
Hugs and big smooches to all the newbies and old-timers!
Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate2.gif)
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I am truly grateful for all of the wonderful support I have found here. I had felt so alone then I met others who have/are experiencing the same thing.
I feel blessed that I do not have to take this journey by myself. {{{{{Big cyber Hug}}}}}}}
Thank you new friends.
Michelle ;D
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GM,
I'm still around however, I'm leaving for a couple of days now. It will be my first "get-away" since my medical issues. Many people are watching and do extend support or information when they are able to contribute/help.
It is nice that you wrote in appreciation.
My next MRI is in November!
Palace
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GM
I feel an enormous debt of gratitude to this Forum. As I thought though my options for my second round of treatment for my Acoustic Neuroma, the support I received here changed my life for the positive. I am two weeks post-surgery. Doing great and recovering nicely. I am compelled to find ways to give back to this community that gave so much to me. Even if it is just quick notes of support, words of encouragement, or testimonials that life is good after surgery, I hope to be a long term supporter of this incredible forum.
All the best to you as you find your way,
Kathleen
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Well, like Phyl, I have no life either. So, here I am. ;D
And - oh my goodness - Jim is now using big words in foreign languages! :o
GM:
Allow me to add my appreciation for your recognition of those who are long-time habitué of these forums.
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If not for this forum, the past month or so would have been unbearable. To have unconditional support and caring from such a fine group of people is enough to make me want to give back again and again.
Mon Dieu Jim, je pense que vous etes etonnant! Sorry I can't figure out how to put the accents in...
Grace a tous.
Marci
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Mon Dieu Jim, je pense que vous etes etonnant! Sorry I can't figure out how to put the accents in...
Grace a tous.
Marci
My French is pretty rusty (I'm good for using one word at a time, at best) but I think you're amazing too, Marci, as are many of our fellow ANers. Your thanks is humbly accepted by all, I'm sure.
Jim
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I'm here for the long hall. I'm one of the the lucky one who suffers from debilitating headaches. If it wasn't for this forum I would have lost my sanity. The forum is very informative. I believe we as a group know more than the medical community. I love the bantering and the humour. Under my picture it says "I have to keep smiling or else I WILL CRY..."
Thank you everyone,
Anne Marie
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Truth be told, I mainly stick around for the humor :D
Oh yeah, and to help others in their AN Journey ;)
Actually this forum can be pretty addicting. When I was out of town, it just about killed me not to be able to check in, read new posts, meet newbies, offer advice, share a few laughs, etc. The only thing that kept me away from my laptop was too many late nights and too many early mornings working.
IMO this forum has been as helpful to me as I hope I am to my fellow forumites.
Thanks to everyone for participating. You make the forum what it is - an incredible patient resource.
Jan
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Hi Gary,
Thanks for the thanks.
Although there are some "full-time" members who post every day, and keep the fire alive so to speak, it seems to me that the larger group of "part-time" members, who drop in on specific topics, are the ones that really make this forum happen. It is not just the responses from the regulars, but also all the responses from the less frequent posters, that give every new topic its special character.
The ideal result is that most members move on with their life, but drop by now and then to lend their support to others who are following in their footsteps. When that happens, this forum is truly valuable to every new AN patient.
So enjoy your life, but don't be a stranger! ;)
Steve
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Hi Gary,
Thanks so much for your positive post GK story. I am having GK in about a month. I don't see a lot of GK posters although moderators and others tell me there are many. Hopefully I will be back with a positive GK story. It is important for all involved to please post your positive stories no matter what treatment option you have chosen. But, let's not forget those who are also struggling with their treatment either. We are all important.
Thanks...
Nancy ;D ;D ;D
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I'm here for you guys and thanks for the thank you it means so much.
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I'm here for the humor the support I can offer and the support I've received and continue to receive. This forum has made a real difference in my life and if I can return that favor to others I am happy to do it. I guess this is what the expression "Pay it forward" is all about!
Wendy
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I know these are the greatest people around. I too made a decision to help anyone I could after my son's surgery. And I too have no life. So, here I am.
I thank you all too. As I have said before, you are my heroes.
Robyn
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Robyn,
You do have a life--BRONCOS. Can't wait for the game tonight. Thanks to everyone for your support on this board.
Nancy