How you are helping others here:

[RobertRacer]

Just really quickly, I thought I'd point this out. I think Christopher or someone said on another thread topic, that his GF pointed out how often he talks about what he used to do or his injury.

I think I realize that too all the time but can't seem to stop doing it. I think its probably the nature of living your entire life one way then suddenly having to live the rest differently. Like everybody else, I had a someone hard time at first before the pain subsides a bit and you learn to cope. I joined this site because there were a lot of other people here who just know what I feel, even unlike our own families. It helped me a lot, and still does.

But actually, the primary reason I joined, and I hope nobody else forgets this, is to help other people. Remember, how alone you felt at first. Remember how everyone was sypathetic, but couldn't really understand, or how Social Security first turned you down, being jobless, friends stopped calling eventually, should I or shouldn't I get this surgery, how will I be in 10, 20, 30 years? And countless other things. I try to sign on just to look or lend a kind word daily if possible. I only wish I'd found this site sooner and have often wished that I could help others in my area who are new to BPI. But who knows how often, maybe daily a new BPI person, spouse, family, or friends see this site. Just by looking, and talking to them, remember that its not really for us so much as it is helping another through one of, if not the toughest time in their life.

Thank you everyone for helping me, I hope I in turn have helped you, and I hope we continue to do so with others.

Robby

[Humboldtmtnbkr]

Racer, I couldn't agree more. I do the same thing, check the board daily to see if there are any answers to my questions or look to see if I can give a few encouraging words to someone. I also started my blog for that same reason. I felt I could share my experience and what I am doing about it with others who may or may not have a similar type TBPI. I also felt that since I will be going to the Mayo clinic I could offer more info as well, not only medical info but my plights with my insurance company also. I have so much respect for the people that live in the BPI world and am thankful for all who are willing to share. Thanks, JJ

[RobertRacer]

Thanks JJ, I've read your blog a few times before too.

[Its1105]

Thanks for posting this!

I know that you all have definitely helped me a ton! I felt and still feel so along since my injury on 12-3-08. It has been great to have everyone supporting me and letting me know what to expect and how to deal with pain etc though. I have tried to share my experience a little bit, but I am not sure I have helped much since I am still trying to learn how to cope with it all myself. But I really want to thank you all for helping me.

I have to say a blog is an amazing way to deal with all of this too. I also have a blog.. or somewhat of a blog. It is one of the caringbridge.org sites due to my injury and being able to write and vent my frustrations as well as my progress on here and on my site has been great.

Anyway, all I really wanted to say was thanks to all who have helped me through this too!

[srhykerd]

I really don't know what I'd do without this site. My daughter was 20 when she had her accident and is now 23. She never liked talking about her injuries or her arm then and she still doesn't. I found a wealth of information on this website that I never would have found from our doctors or therapists. This site has also helped me deal with her and what she has to go through everyday of her life. I have actually tried to go without using my dominant arm for a few minutes and it's extremely difficult. I can't image that along with the pain that some endure. We have been through a lot of ups and downs with all the surgeries, therapies and trips to Mayo. I try to help others through our experiences now so they can get the best care they deserve. I'm very thankful for all of you and the help you have given to us! Sue

[RobertRacer]

Yeah, my Dad had a hard time understanding why I couldn't do some things at first too. You just really can't explain. I told him just don't use his left arm at all for a day. He made it about 5 minutes. He tried to shower once one handed and he really understands that now, expecially trying to dry off.

Really the easiest way to explain it for me: I have a 30 lb dumbbell (about the weight of an arm). So I say "here, hold this." when they say how long, I say "forever". Crude, but thats what it's like.

[swhite1]

So I say "here, hold this." when they say how long, I say "forever". That is so funny. I wonder how many folks here have come around to that exact statement or moment? I know I have. I think it comes from really understanding and accepting the fact that this 'thing' is not like a headache, it won't go away in the morning, it's not like a cut, a staple here a Band-Aid there, it's not like a stomach ache, it won't go away if I hurl. No, it's not like anything else, ever.
It is very personal. Only you know, and the hundreds or so close friends from these boards know, just how it hurts. I think when you can add humor you can step outside of it for the moment and there is calm. Sure we have sympathizing close friends and/or relatives who are there for us but you wouldn't want them to know how this is really. Not for a moment. Sure they can tie a hand behind their backs and try doing things we do all day everyday one handed but that isn't even the half of it. They don't want to know the other half and I for one don't want them to know. I've said it before, I wouldn't want this for an enemy(except al queda?). With this said, we are alone in a crowd and if it weren't for these boards I know I for one, would be in the krapper. Plain and simple.
My doctors never came close to explaining this to me.
We are here for our own reasons and we are here together. To get and to give.
So many questions asked and answered, so many tips and tricks, helps and how to's. In a nutshell these boards are crucial to our understanding, to our healing and to our acceptance of something that we all face alone but with the support from all of us never the less.
Thank you to UBPN.org is not enough. We must each stay with these boards to offer the hand to the next one coming right behind us. And there is another one right behind us.
Scott
I apologize if it all seems to be rambling...that was what I was going for.

Ps http://www.freerice.com

[s8n]

So I say "here, hold this." when they say how long, I say "forever". that's how i got my ole lady lolololol
i kid i kid


Message was edited by: s8n

[RobertRacer]

An interesting approach. I don't know how effective that would be in me getting a new lady friend. But I guess it's an idea (assuming I'm correct on that joke).

[PRISCILLA]

Robby, Are you using your e mail crashspeed@aol.com ? I would like to e mail you if I may ?