Hi everyone - I just wanted to share the observation I have made since joining this group and reading everyone's posts here and on other forums. I have said before how sad it makes me to read the struggles some of you have had with just being taken seriously- let alone actually getting a diagnosis! As you all know - I too, have struggled here.

However, from the limited insights into your lives and the lives of others on the forums I have looked at - I have found you all in your own ways to be active, motivated, hard working and doing everything in your power to retain your independence and dignity.

Why can't the Dr's see this? I understand that their consultations can be brief but surely it is logical and perfectly understandable for someone to be anxious and worried about their health with their distressing and worrying symptoms, especially when there are no answers and explanations?! Why are they so quick to label with psychological disorders when they a) have not exhausted all other possibilities and b) frequently acknowledge that there is still so much they don't know!

I understand that there are cases where psychological illness can be the cause of physical symptoms, the brain is a complex and powerful organ! There is absolutely no shame in psychological illness whatsoever so why do Dr's write someone off at that point? Not even interested in treating their symptoms beyond anti-depressants?? And furthermore, as I have read on some posts -not interested in carrying out any further investigations as it seems based on the fact that once psychological illness is on your records it must be the cause of every problem you subsequently have?!

I have never found anyone here to be looking for anything other than their life back - to work, to care for and support your families, to be independent, to exercise and take care of yourselves, to just have the opportunity to enjoy even just a few of the activities you once did! I see no one looking for an excuse to stay in bed all day long and not work? I see no one wanting to surrender their family roles and responsibilities? I see no one wanting to give up and shut the world away? And I certainly see no one enjoying any part of the "attention" this illness or the frequent Dr's visits bring them, no one is looking to be fussed over - we just want to quietly get on with our lives, to be "normal" (and if you're anything like me - never see a bloody Dr again!)

I know we all have our bad days but I have to say, despite everything, we all come back fighting - and I am proud to be one of you.