People come to this website looking for all kinds of things. Sometimes venting is the goal. The act of committing those thoughts of helplessness, depression, not coping, struggle, fighting, pain and fatigue to (virtual) paper is what's needed to clear the mind and find a new perspective. There's solace in facing the struggle with others, strength in numbers and reassurances from those who have trodden the path before us. And we all need to know something, find out what to do, what to ask, how to manage when times are tough, how to simplify our lives and still take care of our basic needs. To know that others haven't been consumed by this illness and that we won't be either. On occasion some of us just need a swift kick in the pants, or, perhaps permission to wallow in the unfairness and difficulties that a chronic illness presents. And to remember the unpredictability of this disease that often renders plans futile. Companionship and camaraderie are found here, too. Friendships forged in this common battle against an unseen enemy.
Most surprising to me are the friendships. I've had occasion to chat with others online and I'm continually amazed by how generously those on this site give their time so freely to help out others with whom they share a diagnosis and perhaps not much more. Most recently I have been incredibly fortunate to have received a surprising and inspiring offer of help from a fellow board member. The offer surpasses this disease and is a display of such human kindness as to have rendered me speechless. That this board can contribute to my life beyond my illness is an amazing gift. And such an unexpected one.
I will be traveling to visit another member of this site in five weeks. Once there, I will have the pleasure of marrying my partner of 3 1/2 years in this member's home. This is not something I would ever have imagined could come from joining a Psoriatic Arthritis community. While you're here, I hope you find what you're looking for.
wonderful! Congrats to you and your partner! This is so lovely