[SharS]

Hi Everyone:

I have really missed communicating with all of you, although I've tried my best to get on at least a few times a week and keep up with everyone. You've all been in my thoughts and prayers for good days.

The last I posted, we had made a trip to VA to see our daughter and grandsons, which was pretty tough on me. Then, we went to San Diego to see our son (a trip planned a year ago). My husband tried to get me to cancel the night before we were to leave, but I said no. It turned out to be a good trip for me. Southwest Airlines has great customer service for people that need assistance. They took me from curbside in a wheelchair to the plane and let us get on first and pick out our seats. We took the wheelchair with us everywhere and I actually used it , which helped a lot. I rested every day and most importantly, had a real break from all the business of home.

When we got back home, it was time to finish all the details for our youngest daughter's wedding (Sept 12th). Even though I tried to have everything organized so that I didn't get overworked the week of the wedding, it was unavoidable. But, I made it through everything and her wedding was perfect. Her wedding was outside at a beautiful llama farm in the mountains. The owner drove me around the property in a golf cart so I didn't have to walk at all, except up the aisle at the wedding. I did lose my voice the night of the rehearsal dinner, but stayed in bed the day of the wedding until time to get ready.

I feel like I am finally learning to make room in my life for MG and accepting help and learning my limitations. Speaking of limitations, I was approved for long term disability. I had pushed my doctor to approve me working 8 hours a week at the children's museum (the place I love so much) so he gave me a letter saying I could. But....when my claims specialist called his office when I was being evaluated for the long term disability, the nurse told the claims specialist my doctor wanted to speak to her personally. The claims specialist called me and told me all this herself - she said a doctor had never called her personally before and that she had never seen a doctor show so much concern for his patients.

He (my neuro) told her that I had coerced him to approve my working 8 hours and that he is completely opposed to it - that I should not work at all. She said he talked to her for 25 minutes. The long and short of it is that they all talked together - the disability people, my neuro, and my employer - and made me resign my position and go on the long term disability.

So.....I am getting used to it now, although I have cried for about 3 weeks straight (in the midst of the beautiful wedding). I am accepting it, though, and maybe even looking a little forward to being able to enjoy life more - definitely I'll be able to be on the forum now!

Anyway, I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers in my previous posts this summer as I have worked through all this, and I look forward to being more a part of the forum.

Take care everyone.

[Joanmarie63]

Shar

What a great post! I am happy everything is finally working out and that you are able to accept it with spirit! Isn't it strange having grown children? Just the other day I was looking around the house and said to my hubby, look we have an empty nest. {enter tears here} LOL. What a great Dr. you have to talk to the case worker like he did. Now you take the time to relax and find your limits and hey, you can always volunteer at the museum when you are having a good day {thats what I did for awhile at the schools here} You will know when you an and can't. I hope nothing but the best for you.

[suev]

Sharman,

So good to hear your news! What a wonderful doc you have - most won't take 25 min with their patients...let alone 25 min on behalf of one!!

Your trips sound like they were wonderful and how great that you were not only able to take them .. but that you were able to enjoy your time at the wedding festivities and with your son in San Siego.

As JoanMarie said, looking forward to following your journey as you define your 'new normal'.

Sue

[rezmommy]

Shar,
This is wonderful news that you can take the time to get healthy and rest with your family. This disease affects each of us differently and your neuro knew that work would definitely not be right at this time. Look forward to hearing more from you. Melanie

[erinhermes]

HI Shar! What AMAZING news! I am sooooo happy for you, honey! You deserve this! Enjoy it!
It also sounds like you have a WONDERFUL neuro - something that sadly is in short supply - God it watching over you, honey!
Big hugs and prayers your way!
Love,
Erin

[TxSimon]

Sharman,
So glad to hear the good news. Take care and hope to hear good reports from you more often.
Hugs,
Simon

[Pat 110]

Hey Sharman,

So good to hear your great news! You have such a considerate Dr. too. I'm another empty nester and my son comes home for a visit this Friday! They are the best medicine aren't they?! Take care.

Hugs,
Pat

[Ckitty60]

Sharman,
I am glad you got to go see your chidlren and grandchildren. Also glad to hear your daughter's wedding went so well. Now you can get the well deserved rest you need. Take care of yourself now and get better!

Ckitty