Re: An open letter to Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah.

[Guest guest]

you are not alone! Your story is my story and many other's. Isn't it an amazing feeling? I've always felt like it was just me.

To: Soundsensitivity Sent: Friday, September 9, 2011 9:56 PMSubject: An open letter to Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah.

Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:You are my heroes.I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to "come out" and share with those around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of "us" wished at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all band together to let the world know that, "yes, I have something weird about me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me". You all made that dream a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it. It was surreal.Thanks to the latest "main stream" exposure of this condition I now have a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!Heidi and Adah:

You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our "community". But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else "like me". I never though I'd see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are heroes.Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have "instant friends" – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today segment. It was almost like meeting

you.Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.Your new friend,Central NJ

[Guest guest]

How eloquent you are! Thank you! It is our New Year's and Birthday and

Christmas and Chanukah and 4th of July all rolled into one.

Dr. J

>

> Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

>

> You are my heroes.

>

> I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

>

> I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the

Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

>

> But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

>

> But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

>

> Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

>

> Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You

are heroes.

>

> Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also,

for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

>

> Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

>

> Your new friend,

>

>

> Central NJ

>

[Guest guest]

Well put, Dr.!

After 10 years of " knowing " you, I can't believe we've actually communicated

directly. Thank you for your reply.

I would hate to come across like a giddy little kid, but I feel like a new

dimension of my life has opened up with this forum. I've been online since 1997

and never thought I'd feel so connected with any group out here. I use the

Internet as a tool and for entertainment, but I'm not a social media guy and I

don't join any groups like this. But I feel like I truly belong out here and

I'm looking forward to meeting others like me.

Thank you, again, for the time and effort.

Chris

> >

> > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> >

> > You are my heroes.

> >

> > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> >

> > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the

Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> >

> > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> >

> > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> >

> > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> >

> > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You

are heroes.

> >

> > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also,

for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> >

> > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> >

> > Your new friend,

> >

> >

> > Central NJ

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You were my first contact out here! Your reply made me feel very welcome.

I'm like a giddy little kid in here. It's like being on that SecondLife web

site -- it's a whole different world in here where I'm surronded by people like

me.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, it's been an amazing feeling for almost 48 hours

now. I'm glad you're enjoying it also.

Cheers!

>

> you are not alone!  Your story is my story and many other's.  Isn't

it an amazing feeling?  I've always felt like it was just me.

>

>

>

> To: Soundsensitivity

> Sent: Friday, September 9, 2011 9:56 PM

> Subject: An open letter to Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and

Adah.

>

>

>  

> Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

>

> You are my heroes.

>

> I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

>

> I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

>

> But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not some

unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone what I

had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered in

silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

>

> But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at one

time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all band

together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me, but

I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

>

> Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children

and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition

known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get

started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

>

> Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of the

labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

>

> Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also, for

your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have " instant

friends " †" people who understand me, immediately, without me having to explain

a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today segment. It

was almost like meeting you.

>

> Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

>

> Your new friend,

>

>

> Central NJ

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judi,

Thanks for your comments! I, too, can be a little weird outside of this

condition. Lol. But I'm sure in both our cases it's a good kind of weird.

A pleasure to be in your company,

Chris

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I suspect that everyone in this group

> echos Chris's comments (and yes, so eloquently put). I

> certainly do. Just a newbie, I've gone all my

> adult life (and much of my childhood) believing I just must be wierd. While

that may, in

> fact, be true, I'm so

> grateful to FINALLY find out I have company! THANK YOU!

>

> Judi

>

>

>

> Re: An open

> letter to Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah.

>

>

>

> How eloquent you are! Thank you! It is our New Year's and Birthday and

> Christmas and Chanukah and 4th of July all rolled into one.

>

> Dr.

> J

>

[Guest guest]

You are more than welcome, Chris. While in NY I thanked Joyce over and over for being so persistent with the writing of this story that got us this big break. She rode in my car with me from my hotel to the studio and stayed in the green room and came back with me, so I had numerous opportunities to tell her how much she means to all of us, she truly gets it. I hugged Joyce, I hugged Ann Curry and I hugged the producer of the piece. I would hug everyone of you if I could, especially Dr. J. because in a way we are all family in this and in my family we hug to show how much we care. Fortunately, I just don't care how people judge me anymore, I just want us all to find the other sufferers so they know they are not alone, support each other, and get the medical research and school and workplace help we need. So it was my pleasure. Heidi

Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

You are my heroes.

I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to "come out" and share with those around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of "us" wished at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all band together to let the world know that, "yes, I have something weird about me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me". You all made that dream a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it. It was surreal.

Thanks to the latest "main stream" exposure of this condition I now have a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our "community". But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else "like me". I never though I'd see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are heroes.

Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have "instant friends" – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today segment. It was almost like meeting you.

Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

Your new friend,

Central NJ

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for this reply, Heidi. It really means a lot. I'm sure we all

do indeed feel like family. I got that feeling instantly from the first person

I communicated with in this forum. I finally feel like I belong somewhere when

thinking about this condition.

Naturally, I'll be using the Today segment as I introduce my loved ones to the

hell I've been going through (that they had no knowledge of). Adah did a

fantastic job and I will replay over and over your answer to Ann's question that

starts at about 3:40 into the clip ( " How relieved are people when they realize

there is a name for this … " ). Your answer could not have been delivered any

better. It's great reinforcement of what I, myself, would have told someone.

Thank you.

I know you're getting bombarded with contacts after your appearance, but I am

curious about one thing, if you don't mind taking the time to answer:

How did this all come about? Did Joyce, on her own, stumble upon this and she

reached out to the community for comment, or did the community go out searching

for a way to get this issue into the main stream?

Please forgive me if this has already been answered. I haven't really done a

good search through this forum, yet.

Chris

>

> > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> >

> > You are my heroes.

> >

> > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> >

> > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> >

> > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered

in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> >

> > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> >

> > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children

and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition

known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get

started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> >

> > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> >

> > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also, for

your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have " instant

friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to explain a

thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today segment. It was

almost like meeting you.

> >

> > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> >

> > Your new friend,

> >

> >

> > Central NJ

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You are saying exactly what I am feeling about every single one of us who is

hanging in there (sometimes by a thread) until misophonia is recognized

legitimately. I am grateful for every single one of us who is conscious enough

to know we are different in a very painful way and we (like you) hang on anyway.

I am grateful for each of us who hasn't killed them selves (or someone else). I

am so extremely grateful for each and every parent here who is advocating for a

child. I am incredibly grateful to Heidi for traveling, to Joyce Cohen for

appearing out of nowhere and to Dr. J for being there on the day I googled " I

hate eating sounds " .

I have been delayed in responding to your note (and to others which I have done

privately) because I had to take a break from my computer for a few days! I was

getting overwhelmed by the fact that I am now in cyberspace and my picture is in

a lot of places sometimes with misquotes and snarky comments. But I find myself

being mildly amused and even chuckling about it because I really don't have to

care. It's been glorious for me to see that in myself. I was a child raised in

violence and shame and that's now going away. Because everyone of you who suffer

with me are here: I am not alone. This is so much bigger than me and I have

researched so much that it would be wrong to not take the opportunity to be of

service. The genie cannot be stuffed back into the bottle! So there!!! (big

grin thru a few tears)

>

> > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> >

> > You are my heroes.

> >

> > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> >

> > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> >

> > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered

in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> >

> > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> >

> > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children

and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition

known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get

started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> >

> > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> >

> > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also, for

your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have " instant

friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to explain a

thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today segment. It was

almost like meeting you.

> >

> > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> >

> > Your new friend,

> >

> >

> > Central NJ

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the reply, Adah. You are a sufferer turned hero. I am

grateful for you telling our story.

I think you also may have answered a question I posted earlier when you wrote:

" Joyce Cohen for appearing out of nowhere "

I posted earlier: " How did this all come about? Did Joyce, on her own, stumble

upon this and she reached out to the community for comment, or did the community

go out searching for a way to get this issue into the main stream? "

I never got an answer to that. How did this all start? I would love to learn

what happened.

Chris

> >

> > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > >

> > > You are my heroes.

> > >

> > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > >

> > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > >

> > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered

in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> > >

> > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> > >

> > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children

and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition

known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get

started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > >

> > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> > >

> > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't

alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on

the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article

were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you,

also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > >

> > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > >

> > > Your new friend,

> > >

> > >

> > > Central NJ

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My understanding is that Joyce approached Dr J since Joyce is a writer keen on

unusual and undiagnosed medical conditions. Dr J asked the group if anyone had

objections - I certainly don't care who is here as long as they have proved

themselves to Dr J so I didn't object: apparently no one else did either. So

our visitor stayed a while and then asked for volunteers to be interviewed via

phone for an article she wanted to write. I agreed, we spoke, she wrote, after

about 6 months she was published and within 24 hours the TV people called.

Voila! Life changing in a flash. I will be forever grateful.

> > >

> > > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > > >

> > > > You are my heroes.

> > > >

> > > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again.

Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so

liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those

around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > > >

> > > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that

I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > > >

> > > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was

not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to

anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> > > >

> > > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished

at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could

all band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about

me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream

a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have

a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > > >

> > > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware

of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> > > >

> > > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't

alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on

the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article

were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you,

also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > > >

> > > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > > >

> > > > Your new friend,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Central NJ

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

What a stroke of luck! Well, thanks for satisfying my curiosity and thanks so

much, again, for your bravery. I hope the magnitude of your actions is finally

sinking in. I know for me it was life-changing. Thank you so much, Adah.

Chris

> > > >

> > > > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > > > >

> > > > > You are my heroes.

> > > > >

> > > > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again.

Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so

liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those

around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > > > >

> > > > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago

that I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > > > >

> > > > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was

not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to

anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> > > > >

> > > > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us "

wished at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we

could all band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird

about me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that

dream a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is

actually getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I

saw it. It was surreal.

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now

have a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > > > >

> > > > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly

aware of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of

our " community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday

was the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though

I'd see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You

are heroes.

> > > > >

> > > > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't

alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on

the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article

were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you,

also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > > > >

> > > > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and

well-respected platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > > > >

> > > > > Your new friend,

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Central NJ

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I second these sentiments (although probably couldn't express them as

eloquently)! I've suffered with intense distress as a result of any mouth sounds

or eating noises (made by loved ones only) since I was 8 years old. I've hid it

from almost everyone I've ever known (except close family members and my

therapists. The Times article and Today Show segment gave me the strength to

disclose more than I ever have with my friends, family members and even my

colleagues at work. I brought the Times article to lunch the other day (at

work), threw it on the table, and asked everyone if they'd heard of misophonia.

Then we got into a discussion where I admitted I suffer from it. It was very

empowering. I've also had a lot of success with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

(with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I'd be willing to share my

experiences with others. Thank you again! And hooray for this group!!!

>

> Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

>

> You are my heroes.

>

> I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

>

> I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the

Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

>

> But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

>

> But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

>

> Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

>

> Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You

are heroes.

>

> Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also,

for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

>

> Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

>

> Your new friend,

>

>

> Central NJ

>

[Guest guest]

From one misophonic Heidi to another...thank you thank you thank you for your

confidence and bravery! I am coming closer and closer to the place where you

are--where I don't care how other people judge me for this. I want to help

others too! ~Heidi M

>

> > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> >

> > You are my heroes.

> >

> > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> >

> > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> >

> > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered

in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> >

> > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> >

> > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children

and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition

known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get

started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> >

> > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> >

> > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also, for

your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have " instant

friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to explain a

thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today segment. It was

almost like meeting you.

> >

> > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> >

> > Your new friend,

> >

> >

> > Central NJ

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello " other " Heidi -- as my original letter, below, states: " I still could not

get myself to disclose to anyone what I had just learned about myself " .

Well, on Monday I sat my kids down (16 and 13) and they became the first people

ever to hear what I've been keeping secret. My girlfriend will find out

Saturday and then I'll move on to my family-of-origin (having grown up with them

they have NO DOUBT something was wrong with me. Lol.).

I guess I, like you, am moving towards full acceptance of this and not caring

anymore. I, also, owe it to those who came out and made it public. Brave,

indeed.

Chris

> >

> > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > >

> > > You are my heroes.

> > >

> > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > >

> > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > >

> > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day, suffered

in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> > >

> > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> > >

> > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my children

and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my condition

known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't wait to get

started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > >

> > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> > >

> > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't

alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on

the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article

were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you,

also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > >

> > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > >

> > > Your new friend,

> > >

> > >

> > > Central NJ

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow! You are much braver than I. I'm gonna take it a little more slowly, but

stories like this are very inspirational. Thanks for sharing. It helps a lot.

Chris

> >

> > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> >

> > You are my heroes.

> >

> > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again. Your

exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so liberated.

Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those around me

something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> >

> > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that I

stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the

Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> >

> > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was not

some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to anyone

what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> >

> > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished at

one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could all

band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about me,

but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream a

reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> >

> > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have a

confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> >

> > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware of

the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You

are heroes.

> >

> > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't alone.

When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on the desk.

I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article were to

mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you, also,

for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> >

> > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> >

> > Your new friend,

> >

> >

> > Central NJ

> >

>

[Guest guest]

How did the big disclosure go? Just curious....Thanks for your reply to me. It's

nice to e-meet you!

> > >

> > > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > > >

> > > > You are my heroes.

> > > >

> > > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it again.

Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so

liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those

around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > > >

> > > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago that

I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > > >

> > > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I was

not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to

anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> > > >

> > > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us " wished

at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we could

all band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird about

me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that dream

a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is actually

getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I saw it.

It was surreal.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now have

a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > > >

> > > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly aware

of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of our

" community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday was

the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though I'd

see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You are

heroes.

> > > >

> > > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I wasn't

alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw was on

the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your article

were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank you,

also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I have

" instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me having to

explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the Today

segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > > >

> > > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and well-respected

platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > > >

> > > > Your new friend,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Central NJ

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Heidi and Heidi,

Your words and support means so much. Sincere thanks.

My talk with the kids went as expected – my 16-year-old boy, Jr., let it

bounce right off him like boys his age do. Lol. He was thinking more of his

friends waiting outside to play football than he was of me and he bolted as soon

as he felt he had the " green light " . (What's wrong with us boys, huh? Totally

insensitive! Lol.)

My daughter, , 13, is MUCH more cerebral and actually had great

questions for me (while my son kept glancing out the window to keep tabs on his

friends!). Can you hear me laughing out loud recalling the scene?

I was actually hoping I'd connect more with my son as he is a " walking trigger " .

Lol. He clears his throat CONSTANTLY, cracks his knuckles, picks the skin on

his chin and fingers, and sticks his finger in his mouth to clear his teeth

after every meal instead of grabbing a toothpick. I love him to death as a

father does, but he's still a WALKING TRIGGER!!! Lol.

He couldn't care less. But at least he now has an explanation for whatever

reactions he may have noticed from me over the years.

We'll work on it.

I didn't disclose anything to my girlfriend, Barbara, on Saturday as I was

hoping. Our day had some unexpected changes and we got together later than

expected. We went out for a nice dinner by the Jersey Shore (Long Branch, not

where Snooky, et al., hangs out. Lol.) and then I lit a fire when we got home

(just starting to get chilly here in Central NJ) and it just wasn't the

appropriate time.

I'm going to her place this Wednesday night (9/21). It's much better to bring

this up on a weeknight cuz there's really not much else going on. I think it

will go well. She's very understanding and the greatest friend anyone would

want to have.

But this is a REAL test! Lol. I think we'll be OK.

I'll post the latest update to my " Soap Opera " after the talk.

The encounter with my family-of-origin should be the funniest. I should

videotape it. My brother and I are a bunch of ball-busters and my sister just

laughs when we start going at one another. My sister is the oldest, I am the

youngest, and my brother is in the middle.

My poor sister is the only person on Earth who has ever been the target of an

outburst by me related to Misophonia. This occurred decades ago. I was

probably in my early teens and she was probably in her late teens. She was

finishing her breakfast at the dining room table clinking a spoon into the bowl

OVER, and OVER, and OVER until this unknown Misophonic could NOT take it any

more. I bolted out of my bed, ran down the stairs and let her know what I

thought of her actions. We laugh about it to this day, but she has no idea that

there is actually an explanation for my actions.

I hope to let her know soon.

Her and my mother and brother also know my love for gum chewing and teeth

sucking. My family has long recognized me for, " Oh, and his sounds! "

Little do they know.

That's all I have for now. I hope to have some funny updates soon.

Thanks, again, for your support. You guys are GREAT!

> > > > >

> > > > > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > You are my heroes.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it

again. Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so

liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those

around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years ago

that I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about the

annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the world

who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the Dr.'s

web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that I

was not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose to

anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this day,

suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as possible.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us "

wished at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we

could all band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird

about me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that

dream a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is

actually getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I

saw it. It was surreal.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I now

have a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with my

children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were keenly

aware of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on behalf of

our " community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful. Wednesday

was the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I never though

I'd see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up like that. You

are heroes.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I

wasn't alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw

was on the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your

article were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank

you, also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I

have " instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me

having to explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the

Today segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and

well-respected platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Your new friend,

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Central NJ

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Heidi, I am LMAO! You are too funny!

It ain't easy being us, huh?!

You are a beautiful woman and I'm certain there will be an understanding man in

your life soon.

This condition was a big concern for me, also, when out in the dating scene. I

met my girlfriend on match.com. I soon recognized that she was NOT a gum addict

– someone who needed a piece of gum in her mouth 24/7. Lol. You know how it

is.

I got lucky real quick. There are some things about her that triggers me but,

hopefully, our talk will bring these issues to light and we can work through

them.

You hang in there! You're our hero and you deserve the best! (… and I love the

Today segment, BTW!)

Chris

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Dear Dr. , Joyce, Heidi and Adah:

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > You are my heroes.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > I'm sure you've heard that before, but I'd like you to hear it

again. Your exposure of this condition over the past week has made me feel so

liberated. Because of you I now feel ready to " come out " and share with those

around me something I've kept hidden nearly my whole life.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > I've had this condition for 35 years. But it was only 10 years

ago that I stumbled onto Dr. 's web site after Googling something about

the annoyance of gum chewing. I had to know if I was the only person it the

world who went ballistic over that sound and other sounds like it. Thanks to the

Dr.'s web site I found great relief and joy to learn that I wasn't alone.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > But I still never told anyone. Even though I now had proof that

I was not some unique type of lunatic I still could not get myself to disclose

to anyone what I had just learned about myself. I kept my mouth shut to this

day, suffered in silence and just tried to control my reactions as much as

possible.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > But that's all different now thanks to you. I'm sure all of " us "

wished at one time or another that one day we'd find many others like us so we

could all band together to let the world know that, " yes, I have something weird

about me, but I'm not alone, so please try to understand me " . You all made that

dream a reality. The day finally came where the curse I've lived with is

actually getting press on two major media stages. I could not believe it when I

saw it. It was surreal.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Thanks to the latest " main stream " exposure of this condition I

now have a confidence and desire I did not have 10 years ago. So, starting with

my children and then on to my girlfriend and family, I will finally be making my

condition known to them. I have all of you to thank for that courage. I can't

wait to get started. I feel like my isolation is already over!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Heidi and Adah: You are both very brave. I'm sure you were

keenly aware of the labels you risked being placed on you by coming out on

behalf of our " community " . But you did it anyway. I will be forever grateful.

Wednesday was the first time I ever laid eyes upon someone else " like me " . I

never though I'd see the day. A million thanks to both of you for stepping up

like that. You are heroes.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Dr. : Thank you for being the first person to show me I

wasn't alone. When I read your original description of 4S 10 years ago my jaw

was on the desk. I couldn't believe how spot-on the condition symptoms in your

article were to mine. You changed what I was beginning to think of myself. Thank

you, also, for your time and efforts with this forum. I feel as though, here, I

have " instant friends " – people who understand me, immediately, without me

having to explain a thing. It was also nice to finally see who you are on the

Today segment. It was almost like meeting you.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Joyce: Thank you for breaking-the-ice on such a major and

well-respected platform. It certainly helps add credibility to our condition.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Your new friend,

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Central NJ

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

>