[Pearl Christine]

Hi am new to this site and have been trying to navigate a reply to a lovely post by Lorraine to me via the How are you Feeling topic, , don’t know if I`m in the right area but have scrolled to where I could find the topic. so here goes,

Thank you so much for your kind post Lorraine, 3 weeks ago when I was diagnosed with LF (Drs nor sure yet if it is idiopathic or auto immune, am waiting for more blood tests doing)I went online to search for support, updates and help etc. I found this one. It seemed to be the most supportive and helpful of any I could find even though our NHS is good (I live in the North of England) So glad you were able to find some comfort from Wendy`s post about the Self Compassion site, will be visiting it myself. As a retired RN and almost 80years of age I know what scared and apprehensive meant for my patients but feeling it yourself is a whole new ball game! and hope that the Guided Meditations helped you. I know how much a good therapist can help in a time of distress and pain. Saw one some years ago for a past and painful episode as a young girl, the experience and care she gave was invaluable at the time and have taken away from that many lessons and applications which I use to this day. It must be hard as well having to take care of your elderly parents, do you have any siblings who could help bear the load so to speak? From exploring this site I can see that there is much support and help to turn to when you need and I hope you have found a counsellor who can support and help you on a one to one basis.
I am learning that at this very early stage that coping with this on a daily basis is like eating a large elephant, one small bite at time, one day at a time. Kind regards to you and to all who are coping with LF
Christine (known also as Pearl but prefers Christine)

[Pearl Christine]

Thank you so much for asking this question, I only joined yesterday after a diagnosis of LF a week ago. I am in my late 70`s and was given the diagnosis over the phone after having a routine CT scan for lung nodules and a recent unexpected diagnosis of bronchiectasis following a chest infection, my husband died of cancer eighteen months ago, 6 weeks after diagnosis, and I feel as though I have been hit with a hammer to say the least, especially reading all the comments. I was a registered nurse and have cared for many patients with various lung diseases, including LF and tuberculosis. I have a son who lives 300 miles away and a daughter who lives 8 miles away, neither have families and my daughter is not in good health herself. Those are my only family. At the moment I get extremely tired, have to plan my day, e.g. rest housework rest etc. each day and as I also have osteoarthritis in most of my joints housework is becoming a bit of a problem. I can walk for short distances, but not walk and talk if with a friend. Am deeply apprehensive about the future, my consultant has said that in 8 years time ” You will most likely have a bit of a problem” but still feel scared and apprehensive at what the future may hold. Am glad I found this forum and thank you to everyone, you all seem so kind supportive and helpful. Christine.