RE: Just babbling

Ann.Lindstrom(AT)octel.com
Mon, 3 Nov 1997 09:18:30 -0800

Good advice! It took me awhile to come to terms with the idea that I
will never had the physical capabilities that I once had. This does not
mean that you will not have full recovery, just that I didn't. I'm
learning to think in terms of how I can do something, instead of
thinking I can't do something. For me, it has meant getting a "scooter"
to keep up with my friends, and to be able to go some distance without
being in pain. My docs told me that most of the recovery will come in
the first 18 months, and anything after that is gravy. You've got
awhile to go yet before you need to make any decisions. I understand
your frustrations. I too had trouble not lashing out at others. I
wasn't too hard on my spouse, but dumb questions and comments from other
people really got my goat. (Things like "You just need to try harder.")
The one that still makes me laugh was a phone conversation with my dad.
He was asking details about what was working and what wasn't, and among
other things I told him that I couldn't write with my right hand. He
responded with "You have tried printing instead?". People don't always
get it. By the way - I recovered about 75% of my right hand, and I can
now both write and print....Ann

> ----------
> From: FHargr3092[SMTP:FHargr3092(AT)aol.com]
> Sent: Saturday, November 01, 1997 7:32 AM
> To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: Re: Just babbling
>
> Hi!
>
> I bet if each of us with tm was very honest
> with our self, not one of us could say that
> at some time or other we have taken our
> frustrations out on the one we care the most
> for or at least the one who is with us most
> frequently. And, I'd lay odds that this is true
> of everyone, not just those of us who have tm!
>
> You are doing right by yourself and your girlfriend
> when you can admit that you make life more diffi-
> cult (not because of tm but your frustrations) and
> can admit it to her. You must continue to work to-
> gether and see the improvements not the losses!
> i.e. Is your basket half full or half empty? Don't
> continue to think of how you used to do something,
> think about how you are able to do more today than
> you could yesterday or last week or a month ago.
>
> Looking back and wishing for what we were can make
> us bitter, angry, wretched and someone that no one
> wants to be with. And none of us should have to be
> alone as we try to improve, especially when we run off
> those who care the most. Grab hold of every day and
> do what you can with what you have and be grateful
> for that day.
>
> I hope by the time you read this you will have made
> amends with your girl. Lots of luck and positive thoughts
> to you.
>
> Jan
>