Re: shy new member - Jen

[Guest guest]

Welcome Jen :-) Dont be shy, this is a great list of really caring people!!

Hugs,

Deb in CO.

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" All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given us. "

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> Hi, I've just joined the group and would like to introduce myself. My

> name is Jen, I'm a 41-year-old single mom of two teenaged boys and I

> was diagnosed with fibro in 1999. I tried participating in groups

> like this after my diagnosis, but I was a bit overwhelmed and

> intimidated and ended up doing a lot of reading of posts but not

> posting anything myself. I really let my fears and the amount of

> email drive me away from groups like this. But also, I just think I

> needed time to accept this diagnosis and to live with it for a while.

>

> When I was first diagnosed, I was working and continued to work for a

> couple of years. When I read about so many people having to go out on

> disability, I think it scared me a bit...I didn't think it would

> happen to me. I was mistaken...I've been on disability for almost 4

> years now. I've done the whole social security disability business;

> it took two years and a visit with a judge, but I was awarded the

> disability. In fact, the judge really reprimanded the agency for

> denying me in the first place. But I was told that most people are

> denied and that I'd probably have to go to court for a hearing (which

> I did). It all ended up working out.

>

> I do feel I'm in a much better place as far as being able to identify

> and relate to others with this condition...I have been feeling the

> need to connect with people who really understand this condition and

> I hope I can offer support to others. I guess I was in a bit of

> denial when I was first diagnosed and I was scared at the possibility

> of not being able to work.

>

> I'm not the best at replying to email, but I'll do the best I can.

> For now, I'm receiving the digest version of the postings...I figure

> that way I won't be overwhelmed with so much email at once. I'll do

> my best to participate; I can only be at the computer for short

> periods of time.

>

> I look forward to reading all your postings and all the information

> that must flow with a group this large. I hope I can offer support as

> well. I will keep you all in my thoughts.

>

> Jen

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