Hello Karen,
I am so sorry to read about your terrible time. You have been such a valuable contributer on here, and I know that I for one have been helped so much by your wise words. I wish you the very best of luck.
Hugs & love,
Moira
Because it matters
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of your terrible experience, and I just wish to repeat all the glowing compliments that you have had. Your knowledge is second to none, and has certainly helped me enormously on several occasions.
Best of luck to you,
best wishes,
Moira
Hey Karen
It reminds me of when I first came onto the MSS forums six years ago, and I went straight on to the 'just diagnosed' page. I was more or less redirected to EL by some of the folk almost straight away. It is great what you are doing but I really don't think you should feel obligated to be a rep on the page - not to the point that it has come to anyway. Nothing is stopping ND and Limdolanders coming on EL to get info from the 'fully paid up' should they feel they need it...
Steffi xx
21 Apr 2012 at 12:57AM
Hello Karen,
I was told in September that my MRI showed lesions, suggestive of MS. Diagnosis in November (was very lucky to have Private neuro appointments and tests, so quick diagnosis (compared to so many others). I began reading posts on this site when MS was first mentioned. For the past 7 months I have been reading the forum and have learnt so much; not just about the conditon , symptoms, test etc but also how to deal with this condtion emotionally, explaining it to others in my life, pratical/financial advice etc, the list goes on and on.
I have felt like a bit of a stalker; reading posts nearly everyday but have not regisered to the forum unil now-( didn't think I had much to offer but have learnt so much from you all.) I read the post that lead you to decide to give the forum a break. Firstly, I would like to say that I don't think the origional author meant to offend; electronic communication can so easily be misinterpreted, due to the lack of tone and absence of facial expression and body language. Secondly, and far more importantly.....you need to now how valued your advice, coupled with your clear knowledge of this condition is very much appreciated and needed.
Your knowledge and understaning helps so many; as all the other posts have mentioned and I understand you are not doing this for thanks. You give your time because you are passionate about helping others and sharing your knowledge and experience.
I have in the past been the one in my circle of friends to give advice, listen etc when friends have been struggling. Due to my symptoms, stress etc during and atfer diagnosis, I was unable to do this. As I am coming to terms with the condition and during phases of not feeling too poorly, my friends have started to confide in me again, ask for advice etc. This has made me feel better, more like my old self. I have realised whilst I have helped them with issues in the past, they helped me...its nice to be nice and rewarding to help others.Its a win, win situation. i guess what I am trying to say is; your advice is enormously appreciated/needed but it is clearly a part of who you are.Please don't lose that.
Take a well deserved break, reflect and then please do come back!!!!
TAKE CARE,
Clare x
21 Apr 2012 at 4:45PM
you have been feeling down Karen. It is good to offload how you feel and I am so glad you have been able to share how you have been feeling.
Caring and sharing for others can be draining and we all need a break from it....so in future I think we should have a KAREN monitor to give you a nudge if you have been on a 'wee' bit to much.
You always get those who aggitate others even when good is being done....ignore them Karen they are nothing but little ******** with nothing better to do with their time.
I love it on here when people rally round....thats family for you.
Much loved and cared for
xx Maria.
Please, please, please spend a bit of time on Limbo as well as on EL? Please help me, and the few other experienced MSers who go on there? We can’t do it alone. And it matters. It really does.
I am sure Karen has been very touched by all the messages of support and thanks that she has received.
But let us not forget her final sentence and go onto New Diagnosis (and the other boards) and offer help and support whenever we can.
Please, please, please spend a bit of time on Limbo as well as on EL? Please help me, and the few other experienced MSers who go on there? We can’t do it alone. And it matters. It really does.
I am sure Karen has been very touched by all the messages of support and thanks that she has received.
But let us not forget her final sentence and go onto New Diagnosis (and the other boards) and offer help and support whenever we can.
Spot on as ever Anne - the support has been really lovely (and unexpected - thank you everyone!), but the thing I really wanted was to remind everyone on EL that they have the experience and the knowledge to potentially make a big difference to the people on the Limbo forum (and, as you say, the other boards too). And that's an incredibly rewarding thing to do.
Thank you 
Karen x
