Re: now what? :( / Beth

[Guest guest]

oh Beth,

I see you do know what I mean. I'm sorry you had to go through some of the

same types of feelings. It is so scary. I imagine it is for all of us. I know my

suffering is no worse than anyone else's but I was having a really down day and

still get these down moments- then I just force myself to think about something

else. I don't want to have a pity party or anything, but sometimes it is just

too much to cope with and other times I'm fine.

It's funny-I always thought it was weird how people would feel better knowing

they are not suffering alone, I thought gosh that would make me feel worse! But

now I see it is a different kind of feeling better, more of an understanding.

Thank you for understanding me.

Beth Carollo <mbc543@...> wrote:

Hi Joy,

When I read you message it certainly hit home. I recently returned from a trip

to Pennsylvania. I also experienced some weakness and exhaustion. It was a

disturbing trip because I rented a handicapped van with a hand control, as I've

done in the past. Apparently, my arms have become weaker. I had a lot of trouble

with the hand control. I was a nervous wreck. I had to drive from Cleveland to

Erie, PA. I hated to tell my family about the problem. I guess I want them to

think of me as capable. Anyway, I finally broke down and my sister-in-law was

wonderful. She made arrangements to drive us to Cleveland. I know we like to be

as independent as possible. However, if we don't share our needs with those

around us, they can't help us. They can't read our minds. I'm sorry for your

problems but I do have to admit it feels good to know others can relate and

understand some of the things I have felt. I did find something which was

recommended by my physician which has helped me regain

strength. It is called Complete. It is a protein shake. It is full of nutrition

and tastes delicious. If you would like more info, just e-mail me directly.

mbc543@... I would be happy to share the specifics with you. Hang in there

and keep your head up. THanks for sharing!

Peace to You,

Beth now what?

Hi you guys,

Since I came back from my vacation I just haven't felt the same. I feel as if I

lost a bunch of strength. I was fine before I left. It has been over 3 weeks now

and I still don't feel back to normal. It is really scaring me because I know it

is possible I may never return to my previous strength. Has this happened to you

when you travel??

I am doing the valproic thing and asked for a higher dose to see if it would

help bring me back. So far it hasn't but I have only increased for about a week.

Can too much make us weaker?

Since I have been experiencing this, some duties at work have been a bit more

difficult. It really got to me last week and I broke down and in total

embarrassment cried to my boss. that wasn't exactly how I planned to tell her I

am losing strength, but too late now! I haven't been back to work yet but will

go this afternoon. I don't know how to deal with all of this. I am scared.

People who knew I could do certain things just a few weeks ago can't read my

mind and know I am having trouble but I just can't seem to talk about it and it

isn't exactly easy to say oh I can't do that anymore. I am not good at talking

about myself and I certainly don't want pity-But the truth is I am sad and just

don't know how to cope.

Thanks for listening and any suggestions.

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