Yes and no. It depends on who and how.

It was mostly my determination and finding those who were ready to help while ignoring those who were less so.

It was also my decision to find the way to be as productive as possible and part of the team, even if I do not get the credit I did before.

It was a lot of compromising and concentrating on what really matters.

It was crying at home and coming to work with a smile on my face.

No doubt that the trust my patients and some of my colleagues had for me was very helpful and supportive.

But, I can't say that my work-place (hospital administration etc.) made any significant efforts in my adjustment.

I am the kind of person that always tries to make the most out of the worst.
I don't mean "positive thinking"=everything is nice and good no matter how much it really sucks. I mean positive doing=always finding the way to do what you want and should. See each obstacle as something to overcome.

My grandma used to say that if the door is shut-look for the window, and if that doesn't work there is always the chimney. This has always been my approach to life, regardless of my illness.

I sometimes laugh that I am in charge of a phase I clinical trial, while not being able to prepare my own food or even bring it to the table. (But, admittedly I also sometimes cry about it).

I could have stayed home and felt sorry for myself, or as I would always tell my patients-if you have a life to live, do so in the best possible way that you can.

I am not saying that my way is the only way or even the best way. But, it is the best way for me. Or at least so it seems...

That's OK. It happens to me too. I think it is normal. You are sometimes not sure who is there to truly help and who is not.

I know I have been quite unfair to my neurologist initially. I was very suspicious every time he told me he is busy. I would say to myself-sure, he too becomes "busy" the moment I don't respond as planned to his "magical" treatment.

It took me time to realize (and he was also sensitive and understanding enough about it) that he is really busy and not just saying it to get rid of me and my frustrating illness.
It took me time to understand that he is not planning for me to respond to anything and is truly interested in making my life better in any possible way that he can regardless of how well I respond to the treatment he chose to give me.

I think we are just people and living with this illness which is so hard to understand for those around us is inevitably frustrating. It occasionally makes us less "nice" and I think we should be aware of it and accept that it is part of this illness and make those around us understand it as well.

Like I said, it is not at all easy to lead a good and productive life with this illness, but I do think that the efforts of achieving it, are eventually rewarding.