Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 I am posting Cecile's  post from the PBCers Digest. Joanne  Hi, Just read your post...am way behind. I am wondering if you be would be ok with my posting your post in our other Diget the        I absolutely would not mind at all.   In fact, I’m very flattered.  All the best to you and yours for 2010!  Cecile             Posted by: " Rick & Cecile " rc.allen@...  lavascecile Thu Dec 24, 2009 9:56 pm (PST) Pain and fatigue whether physical or mental, are subjective. They cannot be measured, rated, compared or judged. Not only do progression and symptoms vary widely amongst PBCers, their intensity is even wider, considering we each have distinct body chemistries and reactions. Ditto for mental disposition and outlook. Some of us are naturally more positive and some of us are naturally more prone to depression. Some of us need to vent anger and fear to get through it. Others need to talk positively to feel better. This debate reminds me of one that took place several months ago regarding pain, narcotics and addiction. The discussion centered on the need for narcotics to treat serious pain and the potential for associated addiction. I was defending the use of long-term narcotic use based on my own personal experience with pancreatitis. The discussion was getting very heated and was finally halted by our Moderators but not before I was berated by one of our members for stating that I actually had a momentary thought of ending my life because my pancreatitis pain was so severe and prolonged, again in defense of narcotic use. My pain is well under control now, and so, consequently, is my mental state, but that doesn't change what happened.. People who are in constant agony do reach some pretty low points in their lives. Fortunately, the majority of people are not in that situation, but unfortunately, they also can't even imagine it, so for them, it musn't exist. Hence, the denial, disbelief, and " chin-up " advice. Doesn't this remind you of people who tell you " how good and healthy you look " when all you want is for them to acknowledge that you have a serious disease and sometimes do not feel well? While we should all strive to be upbeat about the future because it's proven that a positive outlook goes a long way towards good health, we need to also acknowledge the " down " days and not be afraid to share them. This is one of the few places I look to for comfort, understanding and support about PBC because many of my friends just can't " see " my disease. Let's keep it a safe haven for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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