*** Snowflakes ***

[Joefnh]

Reading through some recent posts here brings up an interesting question and I think obvious answer. Is there a right way (better way) or a wrong way to deal with MC... IMHO no there is not.

I do believe there are degrees to how badly MC affects each of us both physically and emotionally - how bad our GI tract is affected, how many foods we are reacting to and how many non-GI symptoms we deal with. We all have thresholds of how much we can and cannot cope with emotionally. For each of us we are all dealing with different levels of stress in our lives that With MC is just one stress too many. Some of us have GI pain and some have joint and muscle pains with this, and many that are fortunate do not.

Each of us is programmed differently and has different emotional strengths and weaknesses that WILL be challenged with MC. This does not make us good or bad... just us. One thing is for sure we will all have plenty of opportunities for personal growth and times to learn patience while dealing with MC.

With these differences it will mean some of us use medications because without them we cannot cope. Whether this is due to physical limitations - not being able to control MC with a very strict diet, or because we just need some relief from the relentless symptoms is irrelevant, we are ALL choosing are own unique path through this part of our lives and are here to help each other along the way.

More importantly with these differences we all become stronger in sharing our experiences. Besides if we were all the same, can you imagine how boring this forum would be...

When I read through some recent posts I did not get the feeling that "no meds" was a better way, its just the way that works those individuals. For some patience and tenacity with diet are enough to bring their level of symptoms under control. I firmly believe all of us use patience and tenacity just to survive each and every day. Some of us are fortunate that it works when coupled with diet alone. For those who can manage MC with diet alone I celebrate their success with them, while learning from them what has and has not worked. I know in my case I celebrate the success of dealing with my IBDs with Imuran. Eventually I would like to not to need meds, but am thankful that they are available and helping.

The process of learning from each other I hope will never stop for its in those times that we grow personally and learn about ourselves.

Sorry if I have become too philosophical here, over the past couple of days I had a lot of time to watch the billions of snowflakes fall and came to the simple realization they are all different and all beautiful in their own way...

*** There is no right snowflake or wrong snowflake just a unique snowflake...***


Have a great day

--Joe


PS: For some mind blowing pictures of the snowflake topic check out:

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snow ... /class.htm

[MaggieRedwings]

Aye Aye Joe!

Beautifully said and put Joe. Thanks for the very good insight and thought you put into your post.

The analogy to the snowflakes is (as my British family says) SPOT ON!

The way that works for each of us is the right way.

Love, Maggie

[Kari]

Thanks for your very thoughtful and eloquent post Joe. I agree with you and Maggie that the snowflakes are a great analogy for our very individual and unique methods of dealing with MC, as well as with life in general.

Incidentally, it just started snowing here in Littleton, CO :).

Love,
Kari

[nancyl]

You said it Joe, we are all so different, and we all handle things different ways. I know when I get a flare I don't handle it all that well. I think it scares me, and I know a lot of you have it much worse than I do. Everyone on this forum is so encouraging and it's a great place to express yourself.

About the snowflakes - ENOUGH!!! I too live in New England, Massachusetts, and am very tired of the snowflakes, as a matter of fact I think this winter we may have more snow than you in New Hampshire. It's up to the windowsills on the house. And, this too shall pass.

Nancy

[tex]

Joe,



Tex