Greetings All, whoever and wherever you are in the often confusing Physiologically and Psychologically complex world of understanding and coping with all things PMR and GCA.
First: In this more serious Post (I know, unusual for me) I will avoid making any allegedly humorous references to ‘You Lot’ since I realise that they might be interpreted by some as patronising, Head-master-ish and detached. But the truth is that I am also one of Us (PMRGCA) Lot too: and my often silly Humour is aimed at myself as much as anyone else.
So, ‘Here’s the Thing’ as some of our Transatlantic Friends might say:
Following the recent, er, let’s say ‘Turbulence’(?!) here around the thorny issue of forum content and relevance, I took a step-back and considered our local community issues in the wider context of what’s going on in the World at Large.
In this reflective period I also tried to imagine the immense pain and suffering of others outside of our PMRGCA community whose Lives (and those of their families / friends / work colleagues) have been suddenly ripped-apart by various, arguably more significant tragedies including being the innocent victims of acts of mindless and violent acts of Terrorism, Geographical disasters, unforeseen and suddenly Life-shortening illnesses (at whatever age from 6 to 60), Road / Rail and Air traffic accidents, and much more besides. Life can be cruel, and also a roll of the dice.
Of course, some of these tragedies might have affected us too.
One online / TV image that still haunts me is that of a beautiful, intelligent and stoic 8 year-old girl in (now - since 2013) war-torn Ukraine who, during the conflict there, politely asked a visiting European Journalist (q): “Please, just tell me where is best to hide when the bombs fall?”. I spent some time in Ukraine at that time and my heart is still breaking for her as I write this, some 5 years after seeing it.
For me, at least, all of these things (above) make my PMR Journey seem like a walk in the park - even on the tough days.
My Conclusion?
AlI I would say / ask is: please try to be tolerant and understanding of others here - whether you agree with their opinions, experiences and Communication Styles or not. In the Big Scheme of Life and with PMR / GCA, try to see the Bigger Picture: ‘Live and let Live’, move swiftly-on from any forum content that doesn’t engage or interest you (it's easy with a click of a mouse - we all have an equal choice!), and dip in-to or out-of whatever meets your needs at any time in this fantastic and increasingly diverse Social Health Community. There's no better place for a wealth of expertise and support of all kinds - take it from me.
Also: yep, get involved if you will: but try to express differing opinions with respect, humility and an open Heart and Mind. Some of Us Lot depend on and need this community as much for Emotional support / Social sharing as the more Medical stuff. To my mind, these diverse needs have equal value.
Of course, if you / we find any forum content offensive and / or breaking the HU community guidelines in any way, there are mechanisms to report it via the hard-pressed Admin team. They are a conscientious and caring Lot - and unpaid Volunteers too. How many of us would confidently take-on this kind of role?!
That’s it from me. I sincerely hope that this Post goes some way to helping to get back to Business as Usual here - whether On Topic, Off Topic (or hopefully a healthy balance somewhere in between!).
Either way, all best wishes and try to keep smiling on the PMR GCA Journey
‘Uncle’ MB
Remembering the challenges of PMR/GCA in earlier generations 
