I just felt I should say how much this health board & others have helped me, I feel with out it I would be so depressed, it is my anti depressant, I use several boards because I have yet to receive a sound diagnosis, & I also try to give back some help I have received here. I am stunned by the support & understanding from these boards, I only wish I would have known long ago when I layed in bed depressed. Thanks to all of you I have not done that. I do not even have the words to express how thankful I am. I recommend this board to people I really feel need it. I have gained so much knowledge more then I would ever have had & been able to share with others in my life. This board calls out to me often & I want you all to know how much I wish you all the best. I only hope I can give back a fraction of what I recieve. It has allowed me to stay strong & have hope,& to share the compassion I have for others. Most important is has showed me that I am never alone even when I feel so isolated. I know I have some rough roads a head & thank god for you all. I am still learning to use the boards so I also ask for patience. Thank you all so much! Sammy

Sammy this you are welcome and thank you in return. We all share and learn from each other here. It is much like an extended family. Genetically not a very stable one I must admit, but we sure support each don't we? It's a good thing that we don't take "Lean on Me" literally! We would all come tumbling down! LOL.....

Sammy, it's pleasure to have you here! Welcome!
I agree with you that this board is addictive: people here are so great and suportive, i am looking forward every am and sometimes in a middle of the night (when pain prevents me from sleep) to come here and talk.
I am glad that this works for you, so come here more often and get as much support as you need!

Sammy, I agree (as I write this at 1 am. Hmm...)

I often think of you guys when I'm up late in pain ...

or I'm frustrated with myself that I drank too much water too late in the evening and now I have to get out of bed to relieve myself and it's an huge, painful ordeal when really all I want to do is rest...

or I have to make another appointment 6 weeks from now because something else is not right...

or XYZ...

I imagine all of you can understand that exact feeling and that helps me get through.

It's great that we can cyber-lean and be leaned on. And you're right - we'd be in a heap if we really did lean on each other! But I bet we'd have a good laugh.

Chins up and hearts open,
Margaret

They have been a life line for me as well. The weird thing is, I made these really good friends and they are in cyberspace. I feel we all have became close over this long period of time, and I don't know what I would have done without them (yes i am talking about all of you).

I to recommend this forum to people all the time, especially when I am at the surgeons office.

Collectivley we have a wealth of spine knowledge, and we all understand what the others are going through, although friends and familys try, they don't truly get it.

Man I love you guys.

yvette, I feel the same, I know with out a doudt I would so majorly depressed with out all of you & these boards, the pain & dealing with doctors, meds, life in general can be overwhelming, people around you just don't get it, they may try but they cannot understand. All of you do, you can understand now why there are community support groups that exist. We are the same but cyber. That is why I call this my saving grace. I can no longer imagine going through these bad days without all you. this thread is just to let everyone know how much I & we so appreciate each other. The knowledge & advice form here is priceless. Sammy