Newbie
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Newbie
Greetings... I am a newbie to the wellspouse group and for several weeks have been an occasional visitor to learn more and to hear from others. Well, it's my time now to jump in and say hello. This is my first post and like many others, not 'into' virtual sharing like on facebook and stuff but this site seems pretty relevant to so many of us. Thank you for the opportunity to join the group.
My IS has complications from 40 +years of Type 1 Diabetes. I've dealt with his health issues for 20 years. Thanks to WS, I'm learning how to live for me. "I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing." Rabbi Hillel
Re: Newbie
Welcome, glad you found us.....this is a great place for understanding & TLC.....I have also learned a number of things to help me through my caregiving journey.........I have 3 cats or should I say, they have me=^..^=
IS-a massive stroke-6/07-hemiplegia rt.side, aphasia, diabetes, etc.-5 yrs.24/7 home care-now my darling is in NH...
Cheerio,Secretflower ~/> Life is mainly froth & bubble-2 things stand as stone-kindness in another's trouble-courage in your own
Re: Newbie
tinamaria: This is a great place. Since you have been reading for a bit, I bet you have found that out.
Secretflower: What do you know? I have 3 cats too.  FIS died 9/1/08. It was her CHF, COPD, and Atrial Fibrulation that hospitalized her the last time. Both WS and FIS are women who retired in 1997 and had lived together almost 19 years.
Re: Newbie
Welcome, tinamaria.
What fortuitous timing! Have you thought about joining the respite event at Huntington Beach this weekend in order to meet some WSs face to face? I think there was talk of a bonfire on the beach and all sorts of other fun activities! Lots of support and camaraderie. Caregiver for 30+ years to C-4 quadriplegic shot during a robbery at age 21. He practices law full time; we have two 20-something sons.
Re: Newbie
I'm glad you found us!!
i've been married just 3 years less than you, and don't have kids, either. Wish we could have furkids, but IS is allergic to cats & doesn't do well with dogs yapping and jumping on him (he jumps at sudden noises or movements) anywho, feel free to come here any time, and if there's ever any way we can help or support you, let us know! Becky- WS: 35, multiple autoimmune issues, incl. hypothyroidism & gluten intolerance IS: 37, born w/ Spastic CP- legally blind & uses wheelchair; C7 vertebrae fused Aug 2007, cont'd back problems; Married since June 1998.
Re: Newbie
Welcome, tinamarie, to our little haven on the web.
Hugs, Linda Married and divorced twice from IS who had small strokes and bipolar disorder. Back in college to finish my degree and making a life for myself.
Re: Newbie
Welcome Tinamarie! Glad you found this safe place. Lots of wisdom and camaraderie here.
Wren "there's a crack in everything, it's how the light gets in" (Leonard Cohen)
WS 53 to IS 46 Dx June 2009 adenocarcinoma of unknown primary metastasized to liver. Peacefully departed March 3, 2011.
Re: Newbie
Welcome tinamarie!! So glad you found us! This is a great place!
WS (59) to IS (67) Separated. Parapelegic from injuries suffered in Viet Nam in 1967. PTSD, Chronic pain... too many surgeries to mention.
Re: Newbie
(((Tinamarie))) So happy you decided to post and introduce yourself. We are a 'family' here. I hope you'll like it here and feel the support that is possible from your peers.
wheeliezdryver73 {Becky} The Sphinx is a non-allegergic cat!!! Be thankful the thornbushes have roses!
Deb and Larry 4-16-67 1-22-13 President Well Spouse Association - BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER so that we can serve others in need
Re: Newbie
Wow -- thanks for the 'welcome.' I feel at home already! So, to respond:
I am awaiting some funds so I can actually JOIN this group, yeah, be a card-carrying WS member! I understand that only WS members can participate in WS respite and other events. I'm up for future Southern CA get togethers and even would like to join a local group. I e-mailed the contacts for the Long Beach and West LA areas. I'm in the southbay so if there is a group in my immediate area. Question: Do you have have 'break out' sessions for specific diseases/conditions? I've really struggled to connect with other spouses who deal with Charcot. Currently on a facebook page for patients and Dr's and you know how this is, the focus is on THEM! Not the spouses who DO everything to try to heal them.... If so, I'm very interested in helping out to facilitate a group like this.... (PS: I'm a trained facilator, trainer am knowledgeable on group dynamics). One more thing: Yes, Larry, you are so the cat person! The Sphinx cat is a true 'allergic free' cat even though it has very fine, microscopic hairs. I believe that homes are happiest with some type of four-legged furry creature! My cats have been my #1 support and though I love them dearly, their conversation skills are limited to feed me, love me, leave me alone.....  Thanks again for the warm welcome and look forward to talking to all of you! My IS has complications from 40 +years of Type 1 Diabetes. I've dealt with his health issues for 20 years. Thanks to WS, I'm learning how to live for me. "I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing." Rabbi Hillel
Re: Newbie
Welcome, tinamarie!
Although I'm sad you've need of this place, I'm glad you found our little online oasis. May you find the friendship, support, and camaraderie you seek among us. tl IS disabled with chronic intractable pain of degenerative spinal issues resulting from fall in '96, fibromyalgia, obstructive/central sleep apnea, diabetes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Seeking serenity with no drama and no trauma.
Re: Newbie
Tinamarie, we have hardship dues of only $5 or whatever you can afford. If you are at all interested in going to the respite, you can join online immediately. I say that b/c the west coast has very few respites, so I'd hate for you to miss this one. We are trying to grow our organization everywhere, but in the past most of our respites have been on the east coast. I know everyone would give you a very warm welcome and you would have a lot of fun intermingled with the well spouse conversations. There's something about meeting other WSs face to face which helps us to realize that we are not alone.
I suggest you post under Specific Illnesses to attract others in a similar situation. Maybe some of our lurkers are dealing with that illness. Then you can send each other private messages or use our chat room to talk. Caregiver for 30+ years to C-4 quadriplegic shot during a robbery at age 21. He practices law full time; we have two 20-something sons.
Re: Newbie
I want to join in the chorus of "welcome", tinamaria! So glad to have you here. There are some really great Wellspouse folks in your neck of the woods. Hope you get to meet them at some point!
Feel free to vent, share, scream, and rejoice here, without judgement. Many of us find our oasis here. WS (43) caring for IS (48) with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Momma to four boys, ages 8 to 19.
IS transitioned to long-term care facility 3/15/13.
Re: Newbie
Welcome tinamarie, So glad to have you join us, this is a great place to find...oodles of neat caring members looking forward to getting to know you...
IS has TBI from MVA 2005
Re: Newbie
Welcome!!!!!
 T I am 44, husband is 70 massive stroke 3/2009. Together 22 years. First year after stroke I was superwoman. 2nd year was falling apart. Separated May 2011 - living as friends only with separate relationships now.
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