((((((Bamboo)))))),



That's one lesson that all of who've had to deal with doctors and hospitals for any length of have learned. 'Dear Abby', the lady that used to write the self-help columns in the newspaper said it very well: "50% of all doctors have graduated at the bottom half of their class"

Those of us who've had to deal with a lot of doctors over the years have learned that WE are responsible for making sure that the doctors do what they're supposed to do.

You can't accept bad advice and incompetence and inaction.

Helen, you have a RIGHT to have good days and to FEEL GOOD and to FEEL HAPPY.

There's a group that was started by a Doctor Abraham Low years-and-years and-years ago, Recovery Incorporated. They're pretty much everywhere in the world now. You can get Dr. Low's books at the library usually. Have them send you their newsletter.

Dr. Low believed that no matter how horrible you feel, you still should be able to "move your muscles". Just the simple acts of showering and getting dressed and making your bed and having breakfast would make you feel like you've accomplished something today, which in turn makes you feel a tad bit better which makes you want to do some other small thing to feel even better. A nice little loop of feeling better and getting things done.

It actually works You know yourself if you were going to see your favorite artist perform (or go to see the Red Sox win the World Series, in my case), you would find it easier to get up and get ready than if you had to get up and get ready for work. Nobody wants to go work but, pretty much everybody likes to have fun

Go take a shower and get dressed and make your bed and have a sandwich. You'll feel better and it'll get the rest of your day off onto a better footing.

I understand that some people cut when they're overwhelmed by everything that's going on in their life. Can you try to not do that for awhile until you can get yourself set up with some competent medical support!!??

That's really not good advice that your doctor gave you. Everyone should have a yearly physical, especially women, once they've matured. If your doctor is not giving you good advice, it might be time to find someone else. If you work, you could ask someone at work to recommend a good doctor for an annual physical. Or, if you're still in school, you could ask another student or the school nurse for the name of a good doctor for a yearly physical.

Helen, you deserve to be healthy and happy, and you've got to take tiny steps every day to help get you there. You can start by showering and dressing and making your bed and having breakfast as soon as you get up every day. Those are good first steps.

Maybe, too, if you made a list of one thing per day to do -- then you could cross than one thing off as soon as it's done. Another way of feeling that you've DONE something. The first thing on your list should be to get yourself a good physical exam.

Helen, you're very brave and very strong to come here and tell us how upset and how off-balance you feel. We'll stay with you and help you and support you and love you You've got to do the "hard part", though -- the work

Stay strong. Keep yourself safe. And let us know what you're doing. We're here for you as long as you want us to be and as long as you need us to be.

BIG HUGS.

Barb