I agree with Lilan, having gone through brain surgery, you feel a whole new set of things you can do that maybe you were afraid of doing. I hate driving distances and highway driving. But 3 or so months post op I flew up to NH, rented a car and drove all around Boston, other MA cities so I could go to the MA get together of AN'ers (it was great meeting everyone) and then also watch my husband run the Boston marathon. I was insecure about driving in an unknown place, esp with some of the eye issues, but it went well. Then several weeks later, I actually drove a couple of hours away to run a half marathon (sounds stupid, yes I know!) I never would have driven that far, but I thought "hey, I already drove BOSTON for cryin' out loud; I can do this!" It's just given me more nerve - made me felt like more of a survivor (not in the sense that I feared for my life with the surgery, just in the sense that I don't want fear to keep me from something).
I also felt my faith in the Lord was strengthened, and all those Bible verses about His care for us really hit home. And I knew so many here on the forum and in my life were praying for me.
I also have loved being part of this forum and meeting the people here. The people here are so upbeat, encouraging, positive and helpful. It's great! And we can bring up something non AN related and vent and say "help" or "pray for me" and the forumites respond with support and care.
Even though my AN related headaches are past, I now have much more empathy when someone shares, "I suffer from headaches." (or someone goes through surgery, etc).
Through my AN experience, I think I've learned (or am learning) to help and encourage others when they are going through something difficult.
Keri
