Said to "Perfection" on everyword and this is what LWL is all about with what you stated.
Love Terri xxx
Draginfli said:
JC -
I agree, people will always come and go. While it is very sad when people choose to leave or when one of us passes away and we are left grieving, our main goal here is to support others with Lupus. Those of us who have had this disease long term will obviously have the experience to help the newer members in some instances - whether they have a dx or not. We can also help those who have long term diagnosis. However, some of these newly diagnosed members have stepped in and been extremely supportive, kind and caring to me and others - they know more than they are sometimes given credit for. With my years of having Lupus and chronic flares along with other auto-immune diseases and Fibro, even a brief "remission" - I have much experience to use in advising and supporting others - but my experience at LWL has mostly been positive with the support I receive even from the new members! I've seen that they come in here for support, but they realize that it is very helpful for them and their disease to give support back!! Sometimes it doesn't come down to how many years one has been diagnosed, but it comes down to their experiences, flares and symptoms of the disease over time. The newly diagnosed could be experiencing the disease in a terrible way that I never have - therefore, they may have supportive information that I did not know. Then, there may be someone who has had it as long as I have or longer, but who hasn't really flared like I have - they may not have as much support to offer as they cannot identify with the actual active disease.
Either way, our role here is to be sensitive enough to support one and all! Welcome the newcomers and let them know that they have a place to turn!
Silly me, when I first joined - a newcomer = newly diagnosed. I guess at first all you know is your own experience and that's what you have to offer. As newcomers join and start to ask questions, sometimes a discussion can shed light on something on even someone who has had Lupus a long time. Once newcomers learn this is a safe place to ask questions, or just vent without having to be judged, we all benefit from each other. I have faith in my Higher Power who I chose to call GOD. I don't feel everyone has to believe as I do, A person can meditate or pray or use this group as a higher power. We are all here for each other.
Trisha
Draginfli said:
JC -
I agree, people will always come and go. While it is very sad when people choose to leave or when one of us passes away and we are left grieving, our main goal here is to support others with Lupus. Those of us who have had this disease long term will obviously have the experience to help the newer members in some instances - whether they have a dx or not. We can also help those who have long term diagnosis. However, some of these newly diagnosed members have stepped in and been extremely supportive, kind and caring to me and others - they know more than they are sometimes given credit for. With my years of having Lupus and chronic flares along with other auto-immune diseases and Fibro, even a brief "remission" - I have much experience to use in advising and supporting others - but my experience at LWL has mostly been positive with the support I receive even from the new members! I've seen that they come in here for support, but they realize that it is very helpful for them and their disease to give support back!! Sometimes it doesn't come down to how many years one has been diagnosed, but it comes down to their experiences, flares and symptoms of the disease over time. The newly diagnosed could be experiencing the disease in a terrible way that I never have - therefore, they may have supportive information that I did not know. Then, there may be someone who has had it as long as I have or longer, but who hasn't really flared like I have - they may not have as much support to offer as they cannot identify with the actual active disease.
Either way, our role here is to be sensitive enough to support one and all! Welcome the newcomers and let them know that they have a place to turn!