This article is not about PMR, but we can relate...

[GOOD_GRIEF]

nytimes.com/2019/02/18/smar...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Thanks for this.

We certainly can relate.

Although I’m over GCA I have OA - which brings it’s own challenges.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to DorsetLady]

What I'm discovering is that everyone has challenges, and we all need to support one another.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

That’s for sure.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

I skipped past the bits of her symptom descriptions to get down to the part of the article that talks about how we and the people around us are affected by chronic illness, and the unrecognized need for mental health professionals and support groups to help us cope with what's happened to us.

[SheffieldJane in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Sorry about my reluctant post. I properly read it and realised it was helpful. Many thanks!

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to SheffieldJane]

Don't worry about it. I was eating lunch when I found the article, so yes, I skipped the introand got to the bullet points.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Excellent article!

[alvertta]

I really relate to this article. Thank you.

[teesher]

The article says it all really especially: The patient’s mission is to grow into this challenge, create meaning and be the best person they can be.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to teesher]

Well, there's really nothing special about that, is there.

They call it "adulting" now.

[karools16]

Thank you. Very interesting and relevant.

[Hollyseden]

Good article. Liked how she recommended joining a support group, just like this forum 😊

[Marijo1951 in reply to Hollyseden]

Yes, that was my first response too. I joined this forum the day I was diagnosed and I'm so glad I did...

[Longtimer]

So very true!

[morrison]

What a wonderful article. Made me feel quite emotional as they are many if not all of us on this site who can totally relate to chronic illness and it's mental challenges. Going to print it off and give a copy to my Doctor. Thank you. X

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to morrison]

Just goes to show how NORMAL we are...

Our thoughts, our emotions, our uncertainties, our fears, our depressions...all NORMAL reactions to the situation in which we find ourselves...

That in itself is comforting knowledge...

[bunnymom]

Excellent article and very relevant. I don't know how I would have coped without you all telling me all my feelings and aches were normal. Thanks for posting this.

[Mic67]

Thanks for sharing.

I relate to what she said about integrating ''a new reality into one’s life and worldview''. I am ABSOLUTELY struggling with this.

I have some other issues as well as possible PMR and I simply can not accept - on an emotional level - that this is me now, forever! That denial, and the depression is really hindering me I think and I have actually self referred to an NHS counselling service to try and deal with this specific issue.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mic67]

It isn't forever, it is for now. Once you accept it is amazing how much easier living with PMR seems to be.

[4840]

Excellent article! Very emotional. Thank you for sharing. I forwarded the article to my two children to read.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to 4840]

That's a great idea!

Just remember one thing - people who love us might not always understand, but they do care...