Thank You

[Lynn Mc]

Wish I had found this forum last year.  Although I probably would not have read it as I have been in total denial,  this was NOT happening to me.  But it was & is!  I was ignoring all the symptoms, brushing them off with silly excuses.  All the while the headaches, freight train in my head (sure do hate the whistle), lost hearing, loopy balance & fatigue continually got worse.  Well it is happening to me & all the info here is wonderful.  I am both petrified and relieved.  I really wanted to thank everyone for sharing themselves here.  I will continue to be an avid reader. 

Thank You So Much,

Lynn

[msmaggie]

Welcome to our little corner of the world!  We are sorry for the circumstances that led you here, but be assured that you are in the very best of company. Petrified and relieved are but a few of the emotions you will experience, and we will hold your hand through all of them.  Bring all your questions, fears, tears, doubts, and worries to the table and we'll help you sort them out.  Tell us more about your situation.

Priscilla

[Pooter]

Welcome aboard to our little exclusive club, Lynn.  I think your story is very commonplace with people on this forum.  Many of us had symptoms that we just chalked up to other reasons..  Over the years, I've had (Jenni thinks) a seizure, minor balance problems, headaches, sinus infections (had 4 in the year of diagnosis alone), etc..  You're not alone in this.  We're here to help in any way that we can.

Regards,
Brian

[Jim Scott]

Lynn ~

Thanks for your generous words.  I'm so pleased to learn that the ANA forums have been so helpful to you. 

Your emotions are both normal and somewhat predictable. Although most of us eventually adapt to the reality of the situation (and are relieved it's not a malignant tumor) few AN patients greet the diagnosis with equanimity.  I didn't, although, like many, I countered my fears with a determined search for knowledge and with it, understanding of what I had to deal with.  That led me to a superb neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist - and eventually, a very successful outcome to my AN journey.  I wish the same for you, Lynn, as you look forward to your surgery at MEE and MGH just 6 weeks from now.  You have great doctors with an excellent 'track record' as well as a host of friends here, all rooting for you.  I think you'll do just fine. 

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Lynn -

just wanted to echo Pooter (Brian).  We're here to help you in any way we can.  Please don't hesitate to lean on us.

You'll get through this, like Jim said, you're in great hands.

Best,

Jan

[Tricia (horsekayak)]

Welcome, and best wishes to you on your upcoming surgery,

this is a great place for learning, sharing, and laughing..lots of great folks here who help keep things in perspective

again, welcome

[Vivian B.]

Hi Lynn,

Welcome to the forum. This is a great place to find comfort and information. Denial is normal but at some point we need to deal with it and here you will see that everyone has gone through pretty much the same experiences and that you a re not alone.

Vivian