Posted by Margi (207.148.141.65) on September 29, 1999 at 13:26:31:
In Reply to: Words from the Wisdom. posted by Denise/Bryan on September 29, 1999 at 12:44:29:
Hi,
Believe me, I completely sympathize with the frustration that CH cycles bring. My biggest defense is to find time for myself. Rather, STEAL time for myself when I feel the walls starting to close in. I am lucky in that our only child is 17 (going on 40) so she doesn't need supervision anymore and I am free to get out of the house on my own. But when she was little, sometimes all it took was getting out for a drive or a long walk with her and the dog. Now, I go to the gym and work out my frustrations there. It's an incredible release and it helps me to get things into perspective again. It's very hard to leave - even if it's just for a hour but believe me, Denise will understand your need to re-focus. Mike does, in fact, he encourages me to do whatever it takes. He, as Denise, feels so bad when he sees the hardship his cycles cause and even though I don't agree, he feels very guilty. I think the stereotypical sufferer is very understanding and compassionate of how they affect those around them. CH affects the entire family, not just the sufferer.
Take heart in that Denise is almost through her cycle and that light at the end of the tunnel just might NOT be a train this time.
Hang in there, you're almost through it. Feel free to email me directly if you need anything.
Cheers
Margi