Why wear a ribbon?

"For me." (Mc1234)

MDJunction to me

"MDJunction has inspired me to pay forward all the support that is given to me." (avsgirl19)

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That's the way I roll!

I do not wear rose-colored glasses, nor would I consider myself the epitome of optimism. However, I am cautiously optimistic about living with chronic illnesses for which I am told there is no cure.
When I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 1996, I wasn't terribly upset. It was what it was and it was my responsibility to work with my endocrinologist by taking my meds and HRT as instructed and keep my appointments. Check.

In 1999 when I was officially diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, I'll admit that it was a small shock (doctors at the time suspected Multiple Sclerosis), but, again, wasn't falling apart at the seams. My neurologist appeared very knowledgeable (and, in fact, is knowledgeable) regarding MG, ordered the appropriate tests, and taught me much about MG aside from my own "research" on this disease. Again, it was my responsibility to work with my neurologist by taking my meds and keeping my appointments in addition to re-training myself on the daily activities with which I dealt.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) after years of tests and appts with my present rheumatologist and with audio/visual spatial cog. dysfunction by me present neuropsychologist. Okay, this was all beginning to catch up with me. To make matters worse, I was diagnosed with depression.

Inspite of the above, I was determined to not give up hope. My faith had something to do with that, but my outlook on life in general had an equal share in that determination and hope.

To say that "every day is a treasure chest" may sound a bit Polly-Anna to others, but I am far from being a Polly-Anna. My outlook is that each morning I awake to a new day not knowing what positive things I might come across. But I always knew (and still know) that I will discover something that will benefit myself or will give me the opportunity to benefit someone else. I never know when I put my hand into this treasure chest, what small gift I will grasp. This is my gift to relish and/or glean some sort of understanding that I had not otherwise comprehended. This is my gift to give to someone else, should I wish to or know of someone that would benefit from such enlightenment, if you will. These gifts are not monumental in and of themselves, but by the very nature of each day's discovery I may be better able to help improve myself, or enrich someone else's day.

Something as small as a sincere smile...I'm talking a smile that comes right up from my toes and out my eyes...to someone who is having a lousy day or just needs an emotional boost to their self-esteem. Offering to give a cashier fifty-cents so the kid in front of me can enjoy the candybar he could not otherwise afford. Sending my family a brief text message in the morning, telling them I love them.

By enriching others by any means,no matter how seemingly insignificant, I enrich myself.

Whether it's your treasure chest or your oyster bed, remember what is truly important and never...ever...give up.

Peace out!
Lynne

My diagnoses are Myasthenia Gravis, SLE (lupus), Graves' Disease (post-ablative RAI-131 in 1997), other CNS issues, cord compression in cervical, thoracic and sacral spine areas; mod-severe OA; TIA in 2005. Other issues.

I'm here to offer support and share.

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