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To All: I have not started my holiday cards. I thought I would take this opportunity to express my feelings about this list service and to you its members. I have been a member since Jan 94. In those two years a lot of advise has been shared by members talking to members. All year we share with each other. After two years of reading introductions and issues of the membership I thought I would tire reading similar stories, similar problems and similar advice. The fact is, I do not tire reading the daily messages. I actually look forward to reading the previous day's messages. Writing one's story is a most therapeutic activity for the writer. I also find it therapeutic for me to read your stories. It still hits home that we are not alone. I have heard medical professionals in the PD community comment that "much" misinformation is spread on this list service. I think after two years those people have changed their opinion. I think one fear has come true: we are all better informed and thus are making better decisions in regards to our Parkinson's problems. I do not believe these decisions are being made without consulting our physicians where necessary. I have always felt that a good physician would welcome information learned by their patients. After all, we are the customer. Reading the introductions and issues presented on this service, I would say there is at least as much if not more misinformation being given out by the medical community. At least on the list service it is understood that any significant variation in medication schedule or other changes are to be checked with one's doctor. That may or may not be a safety net. I would like to think this server is the safety net when doctors go wrong. If there is one thing I have learned on this server, it is question everything. Know and understand why. It is my right and responsibility. I have never felt that the server membership knowingly provided misleading information. The one service this group does provide is the "anecdotal observation." This is normally thought to be non-scientific. Recently I was browsing a scientific medical journal and found many articles that had one observation in the scientific data. It must make a difference who observes. This is another whole issue. I want to thank each of you who have participated in this server. We have all benefited by your openness and willingness to speak your mind. I hope you will continue to do so. As for the lurkers, please join in. What you say is important to you. We all recognize this. There is no such thing as a stupid question. I invite everyone to send a message in the new year. We need to hear from you. 1995 was a year of change for me. I saw a good friend die of PSP early in the year and just a few days ago, another died of PD / AD combination. I know more will meet the same fate in 1996. It would be wonderful if this coming year would be the year for major scientific break-through - maybe even a cure. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there wasn't a need for this list server? I know the work that Barbara Patterson puts in to keep this service alive. It is appreciated, Barbara. Speaking for the membership, a special thanks to you from all of us. I wish each of you a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy New Year. Regards, Alan Bonander Age 55, starting 12th year, liquid meds, pallidotomy [log in to unmask]