as I watch the news I am so saddened by the world.  All of the hate and anger that is reported daily makes me feel as if there is no hope.  Then I come here.

 I am so touched by the love and support that I witness here that I am moved to tears.   Not just for me but for anyone who comes here in search of help.  From complete strangers others are given comfort beyond belief!  This place has not only given me courage to fight CH,  it has  renewed my faith in people.

Much love,

Jeannie

A most excellent side effect of ch.com.

Now turn off that TV. ;)

Jean, you are absolutely right!

I know we all have our daily problems, some minor, some major that take a toll on our personal well being, both physically and mentally.

When we've had enough of the real world, as good or as bad as it is, we come here for peace, solace, and just friendship.

This is our safe-haven.  Our home.

Love ya

Sandy

I really like this place, but sometimes I wonder if I really belong here since my cycles are so short and spread out. I almost feel guilty. It is just amazing that there are so many people with CH and the way that they interact with each other is really something special, I enjoy reading the get to know you threads and see the peoples reactions when they realize that the people here REALLY know what they are going through. I wish I could be more helpful but I never know what to say.

Mandy,
I understand your sentiment. Perhaps it'll help to know I am not a sufferrer..NOR am I a direct supporter. That said, I am still here...and, wanna know what I say?
Hang Tight-it'll be over soon
Here's a HUg
Wishing you PF
Get out the Trex...........
and various and sundry other reminders which come into play.........

The expression around here is "grab an oar and get rowing".simply put, when you are in cycle, there is a TON of support here. When you're not, it gives you time to do some supporting..vibes, prayers, juju-any number of ways you can help a fellow sufferer-after all, you KNOW how it feels.........
If you truly feel like you must go, then do, but even if you don't wish to be reminded of the beast day in and day out................the majority of these people will be around next time you're in cycle..............oh, and, of course, where else are you gonna find a group with such love and humor and intelligence, it makes it worthwhile to drop in regularly, just for the laughs!
Again, Mandy, the choice is yours, but know this, you are part of the family, you are welcome anytime and we need you as well!
Hugs n kisses
Cathi

Mandy,

My cycles are sort of short, 8 to 16 weeks, and spread out (18 to 24 months apart).  I, too felt almost guilty posting my problems on this board....at the beginning.

I no longer feel that way.  Everyone here made me feel welcome and helped me tremendously.  

It doesn't matter whether you have short or spread out cycles, if you've got CH, you've got CH.  The people here are your new extended family.  

Pick up a comfy cushion in your new home, and pick up an oar and help to row the boat we are all in.  

Don't ever be afraid to ask a question - the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.  Also, don't be afraid to share your experiences with CH.  Who know, maybe something you tried helped you.  It may not help anyone else, but if it helps one, person, it's worth sharing.

Sandy

Thanks, it is nice to know I am welcome here whether I am hurting or not. What a great group of people!!!!!!!!!

Think of it this way - Can you imagine how f*cked up this place would be if we were all in pain all the time?

Mandy, of course you belong here!   Just because a person with asthma isn't currently having an asthma attack doesn't mean they don't have asthma!  It's the same with CH.

When I first joined in the fun around here I was just beginning a cycle.  The funny thing is though that I wasn't getting hit the way I usually do.  Just major shadows.   I was living in total fear.  Just waiting for the beast to really grab hold of me.  I was on the verge of panic!  ( I know it sounds silly but it's true)  I just couldn't think of anything else.  

The people around here listened, sympathized, offered me advice support and love.  Then they gave me a swift kick and told me to stop waiting for the worst.  If it is going to happen it will happen.  Be as prepared as possible.  You'll get hit but you live through it.  Get on with your life!  So that's what I did.  It was the best advice ever.  

Don't ever feel guilty about your cycles not being as bad as the next guys.  I really don't think that anyone here ever feels like they've got it worse than anyone else.  We're all in the same stinking boat.  When one of us isn't up to rowing someone else picks up an oar!  

I sure hope you stick around!

Hugs,

Jeannie

Mandy,

Don't feel sorry for us 'chronics', or anybody else for that matter.  Everybody has their own 10, as I say.  For every 1 person who does post here, there are 20-30 more who don't, but the site is just as valuable to them as everybody else.  Just seeing others go through it and knowing that this thing I go through isn't 'all in my head' is a great comfort, and I'm sure that as you read some of the stories you can relate.

Still, I *am* a little jealous...  ;)

Well hell, last cycle I had was in Dec. of 05'.  I usually delay a cycle when I'm pregnant and then go into cycle a couple weeks after giving birth.

So far no cycle!  I'm always expecting it to come though, but even so, I'm sure as hell not feeling guilty for not getting slammed right now! ;)

This place is my 2nd home.  Has been for 8 years now.  I've watched it be heaven and hell, but it's my constant.

*hugs*