Leaving the Forum

[Ojibajo]

Well I have been on this forum for almost a year now and I think I have overstayed my welcome. It no longer serves the purpose for me that it once did and I no longer find it helpful, in fact some member's comments have been hurtful, but APPARENTLY I am not allowed to say that.  So it's been a good run and I thank those who were supportive of me during the diagnosis period and my last major flare. Thank you also to those who gave me helpful advice about living with this disease. Having MS is can definitely be lonely and isolating, so it was nice to have support and words of encouragement during those low times.

I guess I will leave you with the link for an article about Gilenya that I read today that my be helpful to some:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm284240.htm

Thanks again and be well.

Amy

[Lulu54]

Amy,
Just a quick note to say I hope you read all these notes and take some good thoughts of here away with you if you stick with your plan.
best,
L

[Sumanadevii]

Honestly, what did we learn as children?  Wasn't the main message to not allow others to tell us how to feel?

And had there been hurtful comments the moderators of this board have NO problem deleting them.  I have been on both sides as well as even some of our community leaders.  Words can be misunderstood but down right mean spirited words are taken down.

[sllowe]

I remember the hurtful comments, and it saddens me that some people don't consider others feeling - they are moreso just want to get their own thoughts out.

I wish you would stay. Will you? I do understand how it's hard to not take things personal sometimes :(

You are valuable member of our forum family and I respect your decision, but please know I'd like you to stay (and I know others do too).
-shell

[Lulu54]

Amy,

What you are saying here makes perfect sense to me in a number of ways.  When I look at the names here, there are very few of the same people who embraced me and helped me figure this MiSerable disease out back in 2008.  Most of those people have gone on with their lives, in whatever form that might be.

I like to think that our forum is somewhat like a nest and there are so many peeps being hatched.  Then they become fledglings and learn to fly solo, ocassionally returning back here to touch base, give us and update or ask a question and then leave again.  Unlike those mama birds, though, we never push anyone out of our nest.  Then there are the  few who never leave, staying here for a variety of reasons.

It would be wonderful if everyone stuck around here forever, but it doesn't work that way.  Your message fits what I have observed - it takes about a year after dx to get comfortable living with this constant companion, making peace with having a chronic disease, and getting on with living for today instead of worrying about tomorrow.

You've been given the tools -  the knowledge of MS and how to get answers, the encouragement to be your own medical advocate, and the power to move on alone with your own personal support system. I know you will use them all wisely as you move on from here.  

My sincere apologies for any harsh or conflictory  words that have come your way from any one here, fortunately that doesn't happen here too often, but when it does it can leave a very bitter taste that is hard to overcome.  I would hope that everyone here thinks about the words they put out here before committing them to a post.



I appreciate your candor in coming forward and letting us know you are moving on and the multiple reasons why. Very few people take that step and leave us wondering about their disappearing act.  

Remember we expect a post card or some sort of check in maybe in six months or so, to let us know how you are gettting on.  

wishing you and your family well and sending lots of parting hugs,
L

[heartfelt77]

I don't think we have met. But, I'm not sure.  Anyway I read your post and feel really bad that you feel this way...  Is there anyway to maybe talk out the problems with someone on here and maybe get it work out..  It could be something simple or just a misunderstanding.   There is so many people here from different walks of life and backgrounds.  So, I truly feel if everyone had the same opinions.  This site would not be useful to anyone.  

I hear your pain and can understand what you are feeling.  It is very hard to sit behind a computer typing without really knowing who is real and who's not.

I would love to see this site be able to do something like a national video where everyone talked in curtain groups but, got to see faces.    I truly believe it could take care of a lot of problems and would be amazing.

I understand if u need a break but,  if your leaving because their was a problem then I truly believe that issue can be resolved with someone u trust and can confide in on here...   Then, after talking it out and u feel that nothing resolved then maybe make your decision....   Don't give up that easy we r all here for each other and fighting together.  We may not always see eye to eye on things but, we don't live in a perfect world either and if we did then we probably wouldn't be on this forum....

I hope u make the right decision for you and not because of an opinion that someone gave....   Nobody truly knows your situation nor body or what u go through everyday in life but, you.  

We r here to support you, give advice and see u through not cause more problems for you...

I hope u reconsider you decision to leave us.  And, not go.  We need u as much as u need us.  

But, if you decide to go.   I wish u the best...  Stay positive

Misty

[Sumanadevii]

Why not just skip the posts from posters that upset you?  If you are getting what you need from others on the board wouldn't it be in your best interest to stay?

[rendean]

You have not overstayed your welcome. If you take a break from here to regroup that's one thing but don't forget that 99% of the people on this forum are truly caring and only want the best for everyone. Each of us is different, each with a different personality and each with their view and take on things.

As Community Co-Leader, I would hope that you will come back and check-in and reevaluate your decision. I do not want anyone to think that you are not welcome.  If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to PM
me.

And as you pointed out, having MS is lonely and isolating. At least  if you only come by to reader the questions and the responses you might not feel so lonely.

Warmly,
Ren

[LisaJF]

I don't think anyone could overstay their welcome on a forum that is full of support.

I feel badly to read that you find it no longer helpful either.  But I would ask you to please reconsider?  Perhaps a little time away is all that is needed?

To pull away from those who were helpful is only going to further isolate yourself, even if we are the "internet" or "virtual reality".  I am a human being behind this keyboard and I do care.

Lisa

[candy158]

I wish you would not leave, some times people dont think before they type, and I'm sure that no comments were purposefully meant to hurt you.  I'm sorry that you feel that way, and I wish you would give it another stay.  I have found it extremely helpful for me, and I hop[e you will give us another try.

If not, I'm sorry,
take care and be well,
Candy