[TMIC] thanks doc

Kevin Wolfthal (kwolfthal(AT)snet.net)
Fri, 11 Jun 1999 12:47:12 -0400

Doc,
I just read the following message. I'm glad that we have a place like
this to express these feelings. Lately I have been getting to a point
where I don't care about a lot of things...I have finally expressed to
my boss that I can no longer do my job unless he gets me an
assistant...(btw, the job I have been doing since 1981 was NEVER a
one-person job..but I have been doing it alone...and it often
exacerbates my tm symptoms).

He was understanding, and said he would go to human resources and try to
get me some help. That was almost three weeks ago, and I have heard
nothing since. If he doesn't come back with the 'right' answer..(an
assistant), I will apply for disability. But he has been allowing me to
use freelance help more..so I feel that is a positive sign.

Doc, I have friends that have been in my life since the early 1970's,
one of them had an exhibit of her artwork last year. It was not far
from where I live, but when the day of the opening came, I was just too
fatigued to go. She was angry at me for a long time after that, but I
think I was angrier, that she, who has full knowledge of my health
problems, and has seen the progression of disbility, was not
understanding and forgiving. I too have wished that someone could feel
what I am feeling, both physically and emotionally, for five
minutes...because I don't think anyone truly understands otherwise.
They may try to empathize intellectually, but sometimes that's not
enough.

Well, that's enough of my venting for now. I am just thankful to you
doc, and all the people here, who TRULY understand.

love and peace to you all,
Kevin

>Karyn:
>
>Elated to see that you have found people who seem to understand the
>complexity and limitations of TM. I went out with friends (so to speak)

>tonight and because I have both legs missing they seem to understand
that I
>have physical limitations. They still have no clue as to what TM is all

>about and that there are physical limitations associated with it. God
forbid
>that I might bring up the psychological/emotional factors associated
with
>TM. The struggle that we all have is evident. The fact that we have
one
>another becomes more and more obvious as each day passes. How do I tell

them
>that I might pee or poop on myself and maintain my own self
worth/dignity
>and respect at the same time. How do I tell the one I care about that I

>cannot walk on the road or beach for even awhile because I might fall
down.
>I have no clue.. How do I say "get away" when they try to cuddle me
and
the
>mere skin contact causes pain and discomfort. How does one feel and
have a
>full existence when touch is not comforting and that stimulation above
and
>below the waist is nothing more than touch. If all is well I can feel
the
>kiss on my cheek but then all is lost. Somewhere in the higher beings
grand
>plan I must be destined to experience and some how survive a real trial
in
>my life. There cannot be another being regardless of their worldly or
>spiritual being who would inflict or desire that another mortal
experience
>the pain, discomfort, anguish and psychological impact that those of us

with
>TM experience. There are those of us who have lost significant others
solely
>because of TM. Fairness is not even a topic that belongs in this
thread. I
>JUST CAN'T DO IT !!. If they do not care enough to try to understand
what
am
>I to do ??? A bunch of us didn't make it and there are a ton more who
fear
>that they won't make it with their significant other or potential
>significant other because of what we HAVE (TM) and are what we are with

what
>we have.
>
>To close, all I can say is that we have one another and that as a group
we
>are the only ones who can truly understand. Our significant others
truly do
>their best and understand as best they can. I have told more than one
>person, live in my body for five minutes and then you will truly
understand
>what it feels like to have TM. I and the world of words cannot
>explain/define what I truly feel physically and emotionally. I love
them
>and all of you for being here/there or wherever in your contact with
the
>plague that we call TM. Please take care of you and those who you
might be
>with and take care of.
>
>Doc
>
>PS. Hope I didn't go too far but this is how I'm feeling right now.