Where are the posties?

[ppearl214]

I'm here for the Jan and Lori Show.  Is there something else? 

*smack*

I  have found on many internet discussion forums (regardles of health, political, etc sites) that members tend to be "cyclical" (did I spell that right?)  There is a "wave" of newbies that post... and those that stick around.... then those that stuck around tend to dwindle away while the newbies become "those that stick around"... etc, etc, etc.... I think it's also part of the internet age of discussion forums......

Phyl

[Kaybo]

I just want to try to help someone!  I went through the main part of my AN journey all alone and I wouldn't wish that on anyone else when there are so many people willing to help.  I feel like I missed out for so long that I have a lot of catching up to do!!  Of course, David (our author), stated it beaurifully!

K

*I'm here for the Jan & Lori show too!!*   

[Patti]

i compulsively go to this site at least twice daily.  i have been doing it for 8 years.  on the occassion i have felt i needed help i have gotten so much support from everyone.  i am very interested in and feel compassion for everyone's issues.  i just don't really have advice-you regulars are good with that-and when i need advice i turn! to you and am so glad you are there!  i guess my advice would be that i had a pretty bad outcome, but now i have found a great life and my husband has never waivered in his devotion to me and still finds me sexy with a crooked face and wabbly walk and funny eye and one sided deafness and fatigue and years of seeking acceptance (from myself) at the loss of my teaching career.  You guys may not remember, but you have helped me with so much.  thank you.  patti

[28Lisa]

It takes time to heal foremost......Cant speak for all, but I guess some just read for encouragement or curiosity instead of posting their updates, they are many reasons but gaining strength emotionally from this forum is what counts..

[Mickey]

Hi there! I`m just waiting and watching but will definately be around AN forums and meetings. I wish I could have more imput as far as post operations but havn`t got to that point yet. I`m just amazed to read and see such nice people which I can relate to what they are going thru. I`m pulling for everyone and  if I can thow in some feedback now and then. The best, Mickey P.S. ANANJ has a meeting on Oct 25th. maybe I`ll see ya there!

[tenai98]

I plan on being here for a very long time...Once an ANER always an ANER!!!   Now of course when I'm in Mexico for 6 weeks I wont be on here..may be able to check in once in awhile and give updates on the nice weather there...lol...The same when I head to Florida for the month of March...PC stays at home but i do o to the librairy to check in....
This site is the second one I open in the mornings...after facebook...lol
JO

[lori67]

Jan,

I think we need to start charging admission!   

Lori

[Jim Scott]

The question of why some AN patients seem to abandon the website once past their treatment and back on track is relevant.  Fortunately, the answers are clear and have been stated in prior posts from the astute folks that post here.

I've stated before that I fully understand the reasons some post-treatment AN patients choose to 'move on' and no longer post.  They obviously feel that they have no reason to frequent a website dedicated to acoustic neuroma issues when they no longer have such a problem due to having had surgery and/or radiation that dealt with it.  That is certainly their prerogative.  Some feel that they want to share their experience and in the process, help others.  For most AN patients, the experience is a major part of their lives and cannot simply be forgotten, as even in the best outcomes, some residual issues remain.  I speak from experience. 

I have continued to contribute to the forums because I feel that my surgery and radiation treatment that resulted in a good outcome is worth sharing with others recently diagnosed and frightened about their future.  I also have some knowledge that can answer a few questions for those considering a form of treatment.  Frankly, I like internet message boards and have contributed to them for years.  I still post on other boards totally unrelated to AN, so I don't feel I've lost touch or am confining myself to only one issue.  However, I do believe that whatever I can contribute here has some value that my comments on other forums on other websites may lack, as being an AN patient is clearly unique.  That being the case, I soldier on, even when I suspect my comments may necessarily be repetitive or simply part of a chorus.  I feel I'm accomplishing something worthwhile.  If that perception ever passes, I'll quietly fade away, like so many others.  For now, I don't see that happening.  I'm proud to be a part of the 'community' and intend to remain a part of it for the foreseeable future.  I hope many others feel the same way.  We need all the help we can get. 

Jim

[Sue]

I feel this is like Acoustic Neuroma University, and some of our graduates go on into the world and never go back to the class reunions, while others have developed friendships and feel the "kindred spirit" kind of thing and still like to meet at the malt shop* * daily or once in a while to chat and advise, while a very few become tenured and stay on as the beloved professors to help guide the freshman class from Orientation Day to Graduation.  Some drop out, but not many.  I like to feel that I'm more on the Welcoming Committee, since I know my knowledge is limited to only my experience and I like to leave it to the Professors (Phyl, and Jim, and Steve and others who really study this stuff) to fully educate our students. 

And I think that the faculty and administration here at ANU are truly wonderful and caring people who help the student body graduate with honors. 

I might nominate this as our official ANU Cheer - - - Cheerleader tryouts set for next week.  Somersaults in the air are not mandatory.  School spirit is a must, of course.

Go Team, Fight Team, Win Team
Die AN DIE!!   

I think it's a given that our school mascot is the Pirate.  So we can be the ANU Pirates, and I suppose that makes our school colors black and white, unless you have another idea. 

More cheers welcome!  School song?  Anybody?   

Sue in Vancouver USA

** Well, THAT shows my age! HA     Maybe Student Union is more relevant for 2008! 

[Kaybo]

Sue~

I LOVE it!!  ANU Pirates - Go Team!!

K

[lori67]

I guess that would make Jan and me the class clowns?   

Can't wait til spring break!   

Lori

[Sue]

Geez, already wanting Spring Break!      Haven't even got to Halloween yet!    Of course, now we have to have Homecoming, Winter Formal, Spring Break, Prom and Graduation.  Sheesh!   

Sue in Vancouver

[Nancy Drew]

WOW,

I am so glad this post got so much attention especially since I just posted it yesterday.  Just shows what a supportive bunch of people you are.  Sue, I loved what you said about the University comparison.  For me, I feel like I have researched, studied like crazy, and have had a really hard time declaring my major (GK, I have finally decided).  Now I am waiting for the big test, and I hope I get a passing grade.  Hopefully it will be one of the top grades in the class, but if not, then there is always room to learn more.  Hopefully I will be able to make it back for reunions, but if nothing else, I have the knowledge that there are professors and classmates here to support me.  And, if I don't check back on a regular basis, it just means I am busy with graduate school. 

Thanks for all of the replies.  Go team!!!

Nancy

[Sue]

Nancy, you are ANU's top student!  Certainly Summa Cum Laud, baby!

Sue in Vancouver, USA

[cindyj]

Great analogy, Sue!  Cheerleader tryouts?  I always wanted to be a cheerleader, but I wasn't LOUD enough...you guys won't care, though, right?  Just love saddleoxfords (sp?)!

GO ANA!!!  (said very loudly)

cindy