Hello from a deserter

[paul55]

I hope everyone is well. It was suggested that I stop by and give everyone an update on myself and I thought it was a good idea.

I just had my 1 year MRI and it came back clean. Other than a herniated disc at t11, I guess I'm ok. I always felt funny I never had a tumor like everyone else here, but the surgery is pretty much the same. This i can say I survived.

When i abruptly left the forum, I had this thought process of moving forward with my life, and maybe making things better not dwelling on my surgical aftereffects. Boy was I wrong Here I still sit with my issues, alone. What a sucky feeling. People still don't understand me. There is truth in the statement "no man is an island"

I apologize to all you good folks here that supported me when I needed it the most. I haven't been on the computer that much, but I still check from time to time when I can.

Be well everyone.

[Tmasgio]

Hi Paul,
Your posts are always welcomed no matter how long you stay away. I am glad you gave us an update. It is going to be a good summer.

Tony

[tc]

Paul,
It's so nice to get an update from you. Please check in from time to time. Contact with this group is good for your mental health! However, I know that there is a certain point where my family gets annoyed that I spend too much time on the computer (so watch out for that and keep your wife happy, too).
Great to hear from you and come back any time.
Teresa

[8338]

Paul,
I, to, don't come on here regularily but you are still all my best friends. No one understands me like you guys. Check in with us again Paul, we'll be here :-)
Barb

[deb]

Paul - I too am a deserter and feel like I can handle things on my own if I try not to dwell on them......wrong. I also feel that if I don't talk about my pain than it will suddenly disappear. Lets face it - misery loves company and I have missed the forum just for the fact that you never feel alone or crazy. I am glad that you are back and for me this is sometimes my therapy to just read that I am not alone with the medical issues that have taken over my life. Originally I thought that you were leaving the forum due to perhaps too much time on the internet or someone told you that you needed to get away from the forum. Welcome back and hang in there - we all need each other at some time in our life because we are SURVIVORS!

[paul55]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I have been feeling sorry for myself for awhile. Must be part of the healing process. As Went would probably say, suck it up and get over it!

I did(along with my wife) feel that I was on the internet too much, and that was one of the driving factors for my leaving. But having been away has given more thought to my issues and health in general, and what is really important. I'm not on as much anymore because I was becoming too sedentary. Not healthy. But visiting this forum is!!! (healthy that is!)

Anyway, thanks again for your support. I knew I could count on the folks here.

[shannan]

Glad to see you are back...I don't know if you got to check the board a final time after you announced that you were leaving the group , but there were many people that didn't want you to go, and as promised...are still there when you found your way back. Welcome

[chickiet]

Welcome back, Paul! That's great news on your 1-year MRI - I sure hope that all further follow-ups will give you good news.

I think it's a fine balance between spending "too much time" on this forum. While it does take time away from other people/things that are important, I think this forum is also important, since it's the only place where we can vent, complain, celebrate, etc - - and we all understand the issues, ups and downs that we experience. We can't get that understanding and acceptance anywhere else.

Please keep in touch periodically. Even if you don't feel compelled and/or have time to read all of the posts, it's good to check in now and then and read some of the posts that are most relevant.

Take care,
Chris