Don't Underestimate Yourself

[DonnaBoll]

I have for the last 7+ years I have had the privilege of facilitating a support group for those who have been diagnosed with PBC. I can honestly say that there is not a more brave or determined group of men and women. None of us know what the future holds once we're diagnosed. Will the Urso work? Will I itch? Will I become fatigued? Will my disease get worse? What will my next lab results be?

Even before diagnosis perhaps you were already faced with other challenges with your physical health, your job, your family, or just dealing with overall emotional problems. And then the diagnosis you weren't ever expecting was made

You face each day with determination to meet whatever happens 'head on'. Don't ever estimate how brave you are every single day. Some of you are young enough to have families and jobs on top of everything. You all do the very best you can. You try to meet everyone's needs - hopefully not forgetting your own.

Be proud of yourself - even on the worst of days, you meet those obstacles with every ounce of your being. Be proud ! Don't ever doubt what you are capable of.

What surprises you the most about yourself since diagnosis?

[Gaspereaux]

Thank you, Donna, you are an inspiration to all of us who follow you! Reading your posts always make me feel a little better. Hope to meet you in person some day! Don’t worry, i am sure it will happen! Have a great day!

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Gaspereaux]

You just made my day! Thank you for your kind words. I just want all of us to know that life is not over with this disease. We have so much life to live.... even more aware now of it than ever before. I hope to have a great day - I would love to meet you too! I'm hoping I can arrange some 'meet and greets' like I did in my other group. I traveled to a city where several members could come to. We spent an afternoon chatting, laughing, learning, and of course eating. I just needed someone to host it for the afternoon. I might have to talk to Robert from The PBC Foundation about that in the near future.