MeBee,

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Wow! I can't express what a difference all of your responses have made for me, at least psychologically! Just knowing somebody cared, and for a total stranger at that, lifted me tremendously. I would have responded sooner, but, ironically, I was dealing with a major migraine (and kidney infection). Sorry Dave, I'm afraid even that body part of mine isn't in good shape (the kidneys). In fact, I can't think of a major organ that hasn't had some problems. I'll try to see if I can think of some other obscure part to offer for our little auction. Sorry to hear you are battling cancer (amongst other things). It sounds like you have been thru the ringer yourself.
And I think all of you have about the right idea about what all of this does psychologically and depression wise. I have had severe depression problems off and on throughout most of my life (but I believe mostly situational, as I have had some extraordinary situations to deal with), and, this (the physical health) of course, doesn't help. Right now I'm between therapists as I had the second one in a year and a half retire. I'm in an income bracket where I don't qualify for subsidized therapy and my insurance only covers a few sessions a year, nor can I afford it totally on my own, but still, I can't afford to keep spiraling downhill as my other health has been doing. I am going to be looking for a new therapist, no question, I just decided. As for antidepressants, I also can't take them because of the side effects. For support, I did join a depression forum awhile ago, but really felt like I didn't fit in there, because most of my depression is health related. Well, thanks for listening again. Hope to see all of you around in the different threads (even the peripheral neuropathy).

Mebee,
Glad we at this wonderful Forum are doing what we come here to do. None of this is a substitute for your Therapist - I have my own opinions about them - but our Members, of which you are now one, are a great 'patch' when it comes to Life Experience, first-hand treatment knowledge and sympathy.
I bounce around the Forums, as you will. I'll see you in here.

Dave.

Oh, and don't worry about my cancer, I'm kicking the proverbial out of that for the second time.

Hi MeBee
Welcome - your expression; "sick and tired of being sick and tired" struck a chord with me - it's something I say to myself frequently - then I get mad at myself for letting my physical state get to me. Also swearing helps - I was raised not to swear and usually don't but when I break something, have a fall or can't do things because of pain I let out a few choice words - the release is enough to make me stop, calm down and either try again or take a break. (I live alone in a rural area so the only ones likely to be offended are the cows over the fence!)
While you've clearly had more than your fair share to endure the fact that you are still searching for answers and support shows that you have a resilient inner strength. As others have said sometimes the support may need to come from several sources ie: therapy, anti depressants and as you've already found out, just communicating with those who also walk (or stumble) in your shoes can help you feel less alone.
As for auctioning body parts I was going to ask if your feet were up for exchange but see you have diabetes so that probably rules those out.
Stay strong MeBee - keep reading and posting - someone is always here to listen.

Sorry Bluesfan, you are correct, my feet are not much good. In addition to neuropathy and weakness from diabetes and stroke, they are also arthritic and the bone in one foot is now mottled from an infection after a botched surgery job (not to mention the pins in it). Hope to see you stumbling around the forum also. Thank you for your comments on my inner strength. That really brightened my day.