Guys. Please don't leave this forum based on recent events...

Things appear to have escalated recently. I feel the same about posts over the last month or so as many of you do. In my own experience, watching someone with advanced cirrhosis struggle every day is difficult. Living with the actual condition is far far worse. Those with earlier stages can come on here for great advice and support as well. This forum has been invaluable to me but if you experienced folk feel pushed out and leave, it will no longer serve this useful purpose.

Like with all disagreements and fallings out, it will pass.

Those posting with clear test results and scans, please have in mind how difficult it is for those with diagnosed conditions to keep offering the same advice. Which has been excellent advice. Take the advice given, seek out medical attention for your concerns. I had depression for about 4 years approx. 7-8 years ago. During that time I had aches, pains, shakes and shivers, and had tests for almost every part of me because I was convinced there was something else causing my problems. There wasn't. Depression and anxiety are dreadful conditions. Liver disease is a dreadful condition. This forum is for liver disease and for people who are having investigative tests etc., but I also agree if your tests are showing up clear, this specific forum can no longer help and maybe it would be better to find support in groups for anxiety and depression.

I say this with no malice. I say this with past (and some present) experience of both sides. I genuinely hope that you find the help and support you need.

For those diagnosed, going through diagnosis or, like me, supporting someone who has been diagnosed, please don't make hasty decisions to leave the group. I still need experienced people as do many others. My partner's journey is tough and I must walk it with him. Your help has been amazing.

Peace and love.

K

[Millie09]

Great Post sunflower 🌻!! .Well written and I totally agree. Stay safe! Linda x

[bleeny]

I agree with everything you have said. I've found, as you mention, that lifelong anxiety and depression can make me feel very physically unwell, so I can understand that some people with these issues feel there must be some terrible physical illness underlying. However this is not a forum for health anxiety. I hope we don't lose long standing forum members as they have so much to offer. People have been so supportive to me with my AIH.

[Ewife]

I agree. This forum has been a lifeline for me. I feel thrilled for those that have had positive results, they give me and my husband hope and encouragement, and feel compelled to offer support and compassion for those that have had negative results. The practical advice is the best you can get from real people who have had real experience. When I first joined, the posts were much more of a practical nature, rather than the emotional types we have seen lately. Maybe we should all go back to those roots for a bit whilst we let our fragile minds recover from the stress of the pandemic! I can't be doing with all the arguing etc - I have enough stress in my life🙂Peace and Love too

Xx🤗

[Worriesalot]

I intend to scroll on if replies are not delivered in a friendly, helpful manner. Lots of very nice people on here and will offer advise if they can.

[Onesmallstep1969]

Amen. Also, we all need to remember that in addition to having liver disease, we are living through a very stressful time in human history. We have been shut down and shut out from normal life for over a year now because of COVID 19. That kind of disruption has got to cause undue anxiety for even the hardiest among us. Be kind to yourself. You need kindness , especially now. Thank you all for just being here on this forum, to offer whatever wisdom you can.

[Peter_Plymouth]

Fantastic post and I wholeheartedly agree with what you say.

Sadly as one of the “experienced” folk on here as I was lucky enough to have had my transplant about 18 months ago I intend to stay on this forum and am always happy to talk and share some of my experiences.

This site has been fantastic for me and helped me many times during some of the more challenging and darker times. I am sorry to hear about your partner and the journey is tough - the only advice I’d give you is to remember to care for yourself as well. It is all too easy to get swamped looking after your partner, but you must remember to care for yourself as well.

Good luck and I hope your partners health improves - Peter