Wow, that's a good one. I have felt like I was in both places after my son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and then ADHD. One thing that's helped me survive is taking "day trips" to nicer lands, and by that I mean trying to keep some part of my own life going, whether it be exercise, reading good books, having breakfast with friends, joining a church and getting involved, etc. Doing things that have nothing to do with my son's diagnoses so I am not constantly stuck there. Of course I don't mean not dealing with it or not doing everything in my power to learn about it and help him. Just that I can't go on if I am constantly wallowing. I did nothing but wallow at first. Gradually I have been learning how to go on with life. The first years of his Tourettes diagnosis was the most difficult time of my entire life. I am thankful to say that life does go on.
Hi EJ
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I agree...that first year after the diagnosis is so hard. But it does get better. There are new challenges with every age though. We are going through the teen years now. Whew!
Your advice to do things outside of your child's diagnosis...so important. You have to take care of you so that you can have the energy and stamina to help your child.
Please keep sharing and writing. We would love to hear more from you.
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As one of the children who grew up with special needs, I have seen the Holland piece and cringed over it. Beirut it seems much more like it. Because these pieces also applies to those of us who live with the conditions (whatever they are). Granted, I got RA when I was four years old and at the time hadn't done much thinking about what my future would be like, but it came after. As I grew up, as I was an adult, during the hard times, especially. There are times I think that there is a parallel reality somewhere where the healthy version of me is living the life I dreamed of. Traveling, working - as a vet, maybe? - living in a small farmhouse with lots of animals and a couple of kids.
Maybe it's not so much about Holland or a war zone, but science fiction instead.
Hey Lene!
So good to see you. It is very nice of you to visit me here on this site. Thank you.
I really appreciate your perspective on this. I would be very interested in hearing how that was for you...growing up and having to accept so much at such an early age.
Now you have me thinking about this alternate universe. I do...sometimes think about such things with regard to my son. But then we have to travel back to where we are and that is where acceptance comes in. It can be bittersweet.
For all our members...Lene Andersen is the community leader and a writer for our Rheumatoid Arthritis site. I would encourage anybody seeking information or support for RA to stop by and pay Lene a visit. She will take care of you.
Thanks again Lene...I will be stopping by to pay you a visit myself.
Yeah, you can spend too much time in the parallel reality or you'll go mad. Besides, that version me probably has old problems and at times wishes for my reality.