Hi all,I'm new here

[saliasj]

Hi I'm new here. I'm an o a p of 70. Been ill for many years through Hep C from a blood transfusion back in the 60's.Not diagnosed till 1996 after first being referred to hospital for Vasculitis,realised to be Hep C related the following year.Received Interferon which gave me a problem with my nervous system. Contracted Non Hodgkins Lymphoma about six years also the virus related.Still with me in my bone marrow but not aggressive yet.Three years back I had new treatment for the Hep C,it worked but I also was diagnosed with primary Liver Cancer. Received chemotherapy direct into the Liver treated but understand I'm not cured.I continue to be free from Hep C but it was too late and I have Cirrhosis without hope of a transplant because of my health. I'm in a wheelchair because of the effects of the initial Interferon which I didn't have when my Hep C was cured.I have many other conditions all because of Anaemia when I was first pregnant. My three grown up children thank God are all clear,it seems I drew the unlucky straw as I later discovered I was born with a dodgy immune system. Things are slowly progressing with my Cirrhosis,but fortunately for me I don' t have an addictive gene as I was a social smoker and drinker gave both up without any problems but my consultant allowed me to have a very small one for mine and my husband's Golden Wedding Anniversary. My daughter made some home-made Woo woo,thank you very much,it was lovely. As well as my children I have 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and we're all very close so I feel very lucky. Though my body wouldn't get through an M.O.T, I'm not quite ready for the scrap yard. I have a good brain,have my down days as I'm sure do all of you. I love crosswords,digital jigsaw puzzles,Arthritis put a stop to doing ordinary ones,because of the Vasculitis and old age of course but digital ones done on my Kindle are great fun. Thank God for technology! To all of you suffering out there.I empathise with you. I hope that you have people that love and care for you. I have learnt a lot while being ill and suffered but I have never been afraid to ask questions,after all it's my body and my life.It took a lot for me to write this,I haven't listed all my medical problems as I didn't want to come across as negative. I want all of you to have hope and where as in my case there is none I want you like myself to focus on the good in your lives. My husband my family,friends, using my mind ,listening to music or reading when I' m bed bound,writing poetry and not religion but my faith keep me going and my sense of humour.My son Whatsapps me funny videos nearly every day. Life is hard and challenging as I'm sure you all know but between the bad days it's good and fun. Well I think I've waffled on long enough. I might be brave enough to put my picture in my profile later on. Would like to have replies if you wish. Take care all of you,I' m finally going to sleep now.

[Porphyrogennetos]

Saliasj,

thank you so much for sharing!

P.

[jojokarak]

You sound a million miles away from negative, I hope your good days outweigh the bad ones x

[saliasj in reply to jojokarak]

Thank you jojokarak. I wish the same to you

[soooze50]

Wonderful post, full of hope and positivity!

[Hidden]

So great to read a post like this from someone who clearly has a lot to put up with, but is still able to see life in a very positive way. I have just had to endure a weekend with MIL moaning about how she wants another 10-15 years out of life, completely oblivious to how my health could impact on my eventual age. It's great that you have such a brilliant support network, but the fact that you have such a great outlook on life is what has caused this to happen. I'm pretty sure that if you were a misery, you wouldn't have such positive support. I wish you all the very best with your health and only wish I had a magic wand to help magic away some of the stuff you have to deal with. (No magic wand can deal with all of it lol)

[saliasj]

Thank you MC1189 for your response. I have had years to learn to cope with so many illnesses. But there are days when your strength wanes. Bless you,it's people like you who inspire me to be positive. The future doesn't look great,but life is unpredictable for all of us. I don't know your situation but I wish you courage, hope and people to love and care for you. Incidentally why don't you give your MIL a bunch of flowers and a big smile.

[Hidden]

Hi saliasj, your response gave me a laugh! I suspect that because you have developed such a positive outlook, despite your many setbacks, that the days that are good for you are lived as fully as possible. I don't doubt that you have got far more out of life and your family relationships than many people much healthier than yourself. It is so great to hear from people like yourself, who have plenty to complain about, but have realised that the way forward is focusing on what you have and not "what you could have won" !!

I have a great hubby and a few good friends who support me and thankfully most of the time I do very well. I have had a few "bumps" along the way, but try to spend time with people whose company we enjoy rather than endure!!

Your story will inspire me when I reach those times of feeling, this is too much. All the very best and good to hear from you

[Hidden]

Hi

You are all brilliant and do supportive, it means so much. I'm lucky to have a good support network too, you are all a fantastic support as well

Thank you

Lots of love Lynne