On November 6, I posted a message to this list that told about my wife's
suspected transverse myelitis and later diagnosis of MS and our very bad
experiences with the medical industry. In response to my message,
someone wrote and expressed his thoughts about, and experiences with,
the Canadian medical system. It isn't important that I don't agree with
him, what he said was very interesting. Then several people took me to
task for critizing our doctors and hospitals and gave some examples of
the very good experiences they have had. It was good to hear from people
who have been treated better by the medical industry than we have.
For a list like this to work, regardless of its subject matter, it needs
just two things. First, it must include people who are willing to write
honest messages that contain honest and sincere information, experiences
and opinions. Second, it must contain people who are able to listen to
(read in this case) the honest and sincere information, experiences and
opinions of others even when they disagree. Let me say that one more
time in another way. Writers must be honest and sincere and readers must
be respectful. It isn't important whether we agree or not. It isn't the
reader's opinion, its the writers. This should not be new to anyone.
By the way, it seems to me that just communicating with others who have
the problems is supportive, whether this is the intension or not. I
joined this group to obtain information. I found it very supportive.
Soon, I will probably be moving on to other groups that deals with MS.
But, my leaving this group will not be because I am mad at anyone. It's
just that our needs have changed.
Keep up the good work, all of you, and value the other guy's idea even
if you don't agree with it. If you feel strongly about it, write back
and give your side of the issue. But please, be nice to each other.
God bless you all,
Dan Weiland