Hi Cliffman

Adjusting to your new life is an ongoing process - you'll go through stages of denial, anger, despair, grief, hope and eventually find some sort of acceptance. It's a tough journey but each step is preparation for the life now in front of you.

At the beginning it's difficult to accept that your dreams are gone and you wonder where happiness went. It's taken me a while - I was so preoccupied with finding answers/treatments for my conditions that I neglected to do things that were good for my soul. I now consciously include treats such as short breaks to scenic places or an indulgent personal purchase that brings me joy.

Another important thing is to try and be kind to yourself - it's easy with the despair and pain to blame yourself, to feel useless - take the good days and run with them - do what you can, and get through the bad days by allowing yourself the rest you need without feeling guilty.